SELECTIONS 


FROM   THE 


CORRESPOIDEICE 


EXECUTIVE  OF  SEW  JEBSEY, 


FROM    1776    TO    1786. 


1'UBL.ISHED   BY   ORDER  OF   THE   LEGISLATURE. 


NEWARK,  N.  J. : 

PRINTED  AT  THE   NEWARK  DAILY  ADVERTISER   OFFICE, 

1848. 


STATE    OF   NEW    JERSEY. 


Be  It  Resolved  by  the  Senate  and  General  Assembly  of  the  Stale  of 
New  Jersey.  SEC.  1.  That  the  Governor,  Secretary  of  State,  and 
Committee  on  Education  of  the  House  of  Assembly  be  authorized  to 
cause  to  be  published  at  the  expense  of  the  State,  such  number  of 
copies  as  they  may  deem  proper  of  all  manuscripts,  letters,  and  other 
matters  now  in  the  State  Library  or  office  of  the  Secretary  of  State, 
as  they  may  select.  That  they  also  be  authorized  to  have  said  copies 
neatly  bound,  and  deposited  with  the  Treasurer  of  this  State,  to  be 
disposed  of  as  may  hereafter  be  directed  by  law. 

SEC.  2.  And  be  it  enacted,  That  the  Treasurer  be  authorized  to 
pay  on  warrant  of  the  Governor,  the  expense  incurred  in  carrying  the 
foregoing  resolution  into  effect. 

APPROVED,  March  9,  1848. 


M2064L38 


COMMITTEE: 


HON.  DANIEL  HAINES.  Governor. 

CHARLES  G.  McCHESNEY,  Secretary  of  State. 

J.  G.  GOBLE,  Chairman, 

WM.  W.  BENNET, 

OLIVER  S.  STRONG. 

M.  F.  CARMAN, 

J.  ACKERMAN, 


>  Committee  on  Education. 


PR  E  FAC  E. 


It  is  in  state  papers  and  among  public  records,  that 
we  must  seek  for  the  facts  of  history.  From  these,  the 
historian  draws  those  materials  which  he  combines  and 
arranges,  until  under  his  hand,  they  assume  the  shape 
of  a  narrative,  at  once  systematic,  truthful  and  at 
tractive. 

The  American  Revolution  is  one  of  the  most  inte 
resting  and  important  events  which  can  occupy  the 
attention  of  a  reflecting  mind,  whether  we  consider  its 
more  immediate  or  its  ultimate  and  probable  results  ; 
whether  we  view  it  as  giving  existence  to  a  great 
Republic  of  unparalleled  extent  and  rapid  increase,  or 
direct  our  thoughts  to  the  influence  which  that  republic, 
its  free  institutions,  and  its  bold  example,  are  now  ex 
erting,  and  are  destined  still  further  to  exert,  upon  the 
political  and  social  condition  of  the  other  nations  of  the 
world. 


11  PREFACE. 

It  is  well  known  that  the  State  of  New  Jersey  was 
emphatically  the  battle-ground  of  the  Revolution  ;  none 
of  the  "immortal  thirteen"  maintained  a  more  promi 
nent  position,  or  performed  a  greater  amount  of  public 
duty,  during  that  memorable  era.  It  follows,  therefore, 
that  the  Correspondence  of  the  Executive,  and  other 
similar  documents  which  have  survived  the  Revolution, 
are  peculiarly  interesting.  In  consequence  of  the  per 
ishable  nature  of  these  manuscripts,  and  the  loss  and 
injury  to  which,  from  various  causes,  they  are  necessa 
rily  exposed  in  their  present  situation,  the  Legislature 
of  the  State  have  deemed  it  expedient  to  take  measures 
to  preserve  what  remained  of  these  valuable  records, 
and  to  collect  and  arrange  them  in  such  a  manner,  as 
to  render  them  accessible  and  useful  to  the  student  of 
our  revolutionary  history.  By  a  resolution  of  both 
Houses,  which  received  the  approval  of  the  Governor, 
at  the  last  session  of  the  Legislature,  it  was  provided, 
that  the  Governor,  Secretary  of  State,  and  Committee 
on  Education  of  the  House  of  Assembly,  be  authorized 
to  cause  to  be  published  at  the  expense  of  the  State, 
such  number  of  copies  as  they  may  deem  proper,  of  all 
manuscripts,  letters,  and  other  matters,  now  in  the  State 
Library,  or  office  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  as  they 
may  select.  That  they  also  be  authorized  to  have  said 
copies  neatly  bound,  and  deposited  with  the  Treasurer 
of  this  State,  to  be  disposed  of  as  may  hereafter  be 
directed  by  law.  Under  this  resolution  of  the  Legisla 
ture,  an  examination  of  the  manuscripts  in  question 
has  been  made.  Upon  such  examination,  a  consider- 


PREFACE.  Ill 

erable  number  of  the  manuscripts  were  found  to  be 
of  a  private  nature,  and  these  it  was  not  thought 
worth  while  to  publish.  They  would  only  swell  the 
size  of  the  volume,  without  materially  increasing  its 
value. 

The  Executive  Correspondence  of  this  State  during 
the  Revolutionary  War,  was  very  extensive  and  vo 
luminous  ;    but    the    frequent   changes  of  the   seat  of 
government,  and    the    many    accidents    and    disasters 
necessarily  connected  with  such  a  warfare  as  that  of 
which  our  State  was  the  principal  theatre,  have  scat 
tered  many  of   the  papers.      Not  a  few  of  them  are 
lost;  and  of  those  which  remain,  some  of  them  are  mu 
tilated  and  defaced,  partly  because  they  have  not  been 
kept  with  proper  care,  and  partly  from  the  disposition 
occasionally  evinced  by  those  who  have  inspected  these 
precious  remains  of  the  past,  to  appropriate  to  them 
selves  certain  portions  of  the  manuscripts  as  relics  of 
the  men  and  events   of  revolutionary  times.     In  their 
present    condition,   however,   these   papers,  though    in 
many  instances  disconnected  and  imperfect,  so  as  not 
to  form  a  continuous  chain  of  public  documents,  (for 
many  links  are  wanting,)    nevertheless  contain  much 
valuable  information,  and  will  be  found  amply  to  repay 
the  perusal  of  any  one  to  whom  the  incidents  of  the 
revolutionary  war,   the  efforts,  the  sacrifices,  and  the 
privations    of    a  patriot    ancestry,    in  their   successful 
struggle  for  the  rights  of   freemen,  furnish  matter  for 
interesting  investigation,  grateful  emotion,  and  improv 
ing  reflection.     This  volume,  therefore,  is  given  to  the 


IV  PREFACE. 

world  in  the  hope  that  its  contents  will  not  be  found 
wholly  to  disappoint  public  expectation,  either  in  the 
historical  importance  of  the  documents  themselves,  or 
the  degree  of  care  taken  in  their  selection  and  arrange 
ment  for  the  press. 

NEWARK,  Dec.  28,  1848. 


CONTENTS. 

1776. 

February  21. — John  Smyth,  Treasurer  of  the  Province  of  East 
Jersey,  to  Samuel  Tucker,  President  of  Provincial  Congress 
— Relating  to  his  continuance  in  office,  -  -  1 

February  22. — Same  to  the  same,  -  -  -       2 

February  26. — Same  to  the  same,  -  -  -       3 

March  26. — Resolves  of  the  Committee  of  Safety — to  raise  three 

Battalions  of  Militia  for  the  defence  of  New  York,  -  4 

June  18. — The  President  of  the  Continental  Congress  to  the  Con 
vention  of  New  Jersey — Requesting  that  the  General  at 
New  York  may  be  empowered  to  call  for  such  militia  to  his 
aid  from  New  Jersey  as  he  may  deem  necessary,  -  -  6 

August  8. — General  commanding  at  New  York  to  the  President 
of  the  Provincial  Congress— Relating  to  suspicious  persons, 
and  calling  for  reinforcements,  •  7 

September  15. — Brig.  Gen.  Matthias  "Williamson  at  Elizabethtown 
to  the  Governor — Accepting  his  commission,  and  referring 
to  complaints  of  the  militia,  -  -  9 

September  16. — John  DeHart,  of  Elizabethtown,  to  the  Legisla 
ture — Acknowledging  his  election  to  the  Chief  Justiceship 
of  New  Jersey,  .  .  -  -  11 

September  19.— Dep.  Qr.  Mast.  Gen.  Clement  Biddle,  at  Perth 
Amboy,  to  the  Governor — Relating  to  supplies  of  grain 
required  for  the  army,  -  1 1 

September  30. — Archibald  Kennedy  at  Morristown  to  the  Gov 
ernor —  Asking  to  be  relieved  on  parole,  from  confinement,  -  12 

October  2. — The  President  of  Continental  Congress  at  Philadel 
phia  to  the  Assembly  of  New  Jersey — Relating  to  the  ap 
pointment  of  Surgeons,  and  the  filling  of  vacancies  in 
Congress,  -  13 

October  9. — The  same  to  the  same — Relating  to  the  pay  of  the 
troops,  and  requesting  the  appointment  of  a  Committee  to 
visit  the  army,  and  secure  the  re-enlistment  of  the  men  from 
New  Jersey,  •  -  -  14 

October  18. — Col.  William  Maxwell,  at  Point  Independence,  to 
the  Governor,  Council,  and  Assembly,  of  New  Jersey — 
Stating  the  unwillingness  of  the  men  to  re-enlist — mention- 
ing  Col.  Shrieve — Major  Grey — Capt.  Shute — Capt.  Scott,  15 

November  12. — The  President  of  the  Continental  Congress  to 
Governor  Livingston — Recommending  adoption  of  Measures 
to  prevent  intercourse  with  the  Enemy,  •  18 


VI.  CONTENTS. 

1776.  PAGE. 

November  19. — George  Taylor  of  Monmouth  to  John  Coven- 
hoven,  Member  of  the  Assembly — Relating  to  his  accept 
ance  of  a  Colonel's  Commission,  &c.  •  18 

November  21. — S.  Forman  to  Joseph  Holmes,  Member  of  Assem 
bly — Referring  to  the  Refusal  of  Col.  Taylor  to  take  oath 
of  Office,  -  19 

December  — . — Colonel  Wm.  DeHart  to  the  Governor — Relating 

to  the  filling  up  of  Vacancies  in  his  Regiment,  &c.  20 

December  30. — The  President  of  Continental  Congress  to  the 
Governor — Covering  Resolves  conferring  more  ample  pow 
ers  on  the  Military  Department,  -  -  21 

1777. 

January  28. — Col.  Oliver  Spencer  at  Elizabethtown  to 
Stephen  Crane  of  the  Assembly — Giving  a  list  of  the  Com 
missions  wanted  in  his  Battalion,  -  -  22 

January  31. — General  Washington  at  Morristown  to  the  Legisla 
ture — Calling  for  the  passage  of  Laws  to  prevent  Desertion,  23 

February  5. — Colonel  David  Chambers,  at  Raritan,  to  John  Hart, 
Speaker  of  the  Assembly — Recommending  persons  as  Field 
Officers  in  his  Battalion,  -  -  24 

February  5. — Jonathan  D.  Sergeant,  Delegate  to  the  Continental 
Congress  at  Baltimore,  to  John  Hart,  Speaker,  &c. — Desi 
ring  some  other  person  to  be  appointed  in  his  place,  -  24 

February  8. — Abraham  Clark,  Delegate  to  the  Continental  Con- 
gress,  at  Baltimore,  to  John  Hart,  Speaker,  &c. — Giving 
information  of  the  action  of  some  of  the  Colonies  in  regu 
lating  prices — Condemning  a  proclamation  of  M7ashington 
— Referring  to  the  Tories  of  Maryland — The  contemplated 
removal  of  Congress,  &c.,  -  25 

February  9. — James  Sullivan,  Chairman  of  a  Committee  of  Mas 
sachusetts  House  of  Representatives,  to  the  Governor — 
Enclosing  an  act  of  the  Legislature  for  regulating  prices, 
and  a  resolution  preventing  the  exportation  of  sundry 
articles,  -  -  28 

February  12. — General  Phil.  Dickinson,  at  Raritan,  to  the  Gov 
ernor — Desiring  to  be  released  from  his  command,  -  30 

March  17. — Colonel  Israel  Shrieve,  at  Princeton,  to  the  Governor 
— Asking  for  his  certificate  for  the  Staff  Officers  of  his 
Regiment,  -  31 

March  18. — Governor  Livingston  to  Daniel  Rittenhouse,  Vice 
President  of  Pennsylvania  Council  of  Safety — Sending  five 
prisoners  taken  at  Squam  Beach,  -  -  32 

March  27. — Colonel  John  Bull,  at  Waterfield,  to  the  Governor- 
Informing  him  of  the  pay  received  by  laboreis  and  soldiers 
in  Pennsylvania,  -  -  -  33 


CONTENTS.  Vll 

1777.  PAGE. 

March  28. — James  Wilson,  at  Philadelphia,  to  the  Governor  — 
Advising   the   apprehension   of  John    Curlis,    of  Shrewsbury, 
for  intercepting  a  dispatch  of  Genera).  Washington,  -     34 

March  26  to  April  3. — Minutes  of  the  Commissioners  of  New 
York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  Maryland  and 
Virginia,  met  at  Yorktown  to  adopt  a  system  for  regulating 
the  price  of  labor,  of  goods  imported,  &c.,  -  34 

April  1. — General  Nathaniel  Heard,  on  the  Raritan,  to  the  Gov 
ernor — Enclosing  a  letter  from  Colonel  Beavers,  asking  for 
instructions,  &c.,  -  -  45 

March  29. — Colonel  Joseph  Beavers  to  General  Heard — Refer 
ring  to  neglect  of  duty  by  his  officers,  •  -  46 

April  5. — Charles  Pettit,  Secretary  of  the  Province  under  the 
Royal  government,  to  Governor  Livingston — Referring  to 
the  removal  of  the  Records  of  the  State,  -  -  47 

April  7. — Silas  Condict,  at  Morristown,  to  the  Governor — Ac 
cepting  an  appointment  as  one  of  the  Council  of  Safety,  &c.  49 

April  8. — William  Smith  and  Benjamin  Rumsey,  at  Philadelphia, 

to  the  Governor — Respecting  a  Mr.  Campbell,  50 

April  10. — Examination  of  Jesse  Woodward,  of  Monmouth 

County,  -  -  51 

April  10. — Francis  Wade,  at  Allentown,  to  the  Governor — En 
closing  the  foregoing,  -  -  53 

April  16. — General  Washington  to  the  Governor — Referring  to 

Col.  Duyckinck  then  in  confinement,  -  -  54 

April  — . — Francis  Hopkinson,  at  Philadelphia,  to  the  Governor 

— Relating  to  the  apprehension  of  John  Curlis,       -  -     56 

April  25. — General  Israel  Putnam  to  the  Governor — Accompany 
ing  several  prisoners,  -  -  57 

April  25. — Rev.  A.  McWhorter  and  Elisha  Boudinot  of  Newark 
to  the  Governor — Recommending  certain  persons  as  officers 
of  the  Militia,  -  -  58 

May  7. — Major  John  Taylor,  commanding  at  Cranberry,  to  the 

Governor — Sending  sundry  prisoners,  -  59 

May  15. — The  same  to  the  same — Relating  to  prisoners  sent,     -     60 

May  19. — Colonel  David  Brearley,  Jr.,  to  the  Governor — Send 
ing  a  prisoner,  -  -  60 

June  12. — John  Cox  and  Elijah  Clark,  at  Egg  Harbor,  to  the 
President  of  the  Council  of  Safety — Detailing  the  proceed 
ings  of  an  enemy's  vessel,  &c.,  -  61 

June  12. — The  President  of  the  Continental  Congress  to  the  Gov 
ernor — Calling  for  500  men  to  be  sent  to  Billingsport,  -  63 


Vlll  CONTENTS. 

1777.  PAGE. 

June  14. — Robert  Morris,  Judge  of  the  Supreme  Court,  to  the 
Governor — Relating  to  the  proceedings  of  the  Court  at 
Newton,  Sussex  Co.,  -  -  63 

June  15. — Charles  Pettit,  at  Burlington,  to  the  Governor — Rela 
ting  to  Courts — and  the  movements  of  the  enemy,  - 

June  17. — General  Nathaniel  Heard,  at  Pompton,  to  the  Council 

of  Safety,  -  -  69 

June  19. — Charles  Pettit,  at  Burlington,  to  the  Governor — Re 
commending  a  movement  of  militia  towards  the  coast — 
Giving  his  views  as  to  the  state  of  the  government,  the 
militia,  &c.,  -  -  69 

June  21. — Joseph  Hedden,  Jr.,  of  Newark,  to  the  Governor — 
Transmitting  the  names  of  women  whose  husbands  were 
with  the  enemy — Recommending  Elisha  Boudinot  for  De 
puty  Surrogate,  &c., 

June  26. — General  Phil.  Dickinson  to  the  Governor — Accepting 
the  appointment  of  Major  General,  &c.,  - 

June  30. — Major  Samuel  Hayes,  of  Newark,  to  the  Governor — 
Giving  the  names  of  women  sent  to  New  York  with  their 
children,  -  ....  75 

June  30. — Joseph  Hedden,  Jr.,  to  the  Governor — Relating  to  the 

prisoners  in  jail  at  Newark,  76 

June  30. — Chief  Justice  John  C.  Symmes,  at  Newton,  to  the 

Governor — Relating  to  the  recapture  of  escaped  criminals,       77 

July  1. — Joseph  Hedden,    Jr.,  at   Newark,  to  the  Governor — 

Transmitting  names  of  prisoners  and  their  offences,  78 

July  2. — Brig.  Gen.  David  Forman,  at  Middletown,  to  Edward 
Taylor — Directing  him  to  remain  on  his  farm  at  Middletown 
as  a  suspected  person,  -  80 

July  3. — Governor  Livingston  to  General  Winds — Directing  him 
to  detach  200  men  to  be  employed  in  apprehending  disaf 
fected  persons,  -  80 

July  7. — Governor  Livingston  to  General  Washington — Referring 

to  the  above  mentioned  detachment,  81 

July  9. — Joseph  Hedden,  Jr.,  of  Newark,  to  the  Governor — 
Giving  the  names  of  women  whose  husbands  were  with  the 
enemy,  -  -  -  82 

July  21. — Same  to  the  same — Sending  sundry  prisoners,  &c.,     -     83 

August  1. — General  Phil.  Dickinson,  at  Trenton,  to  the  Governor 

— Recommending  the  raising  of  a  troop  of  horse,  -  84 

August  12. — William  Paterson,  at  Newark,  to  the  Governor — 

Sending  a  Mr.  Macomb  arrested  on  suspicion,  -  86 

August  17. — Captain  Webster  at  Piscataway,  to  Colonel  Freling- 

huysen — Accompanying  prisoners,  -  88 


CONTENTS.  IX 

1777.  PAGE. 

August  25.— Brig.  Gen.  Silas  Newcomb,  at  Woodbury,  to  the 
Governor — Giving  an  account  of  the  apprehension  of  sun 
dry  persons  in  Cumberland  county,  &c.,  •  -  -  89 

August  21  — Silvanus  Seely,  of  Elizabethtown,  to  the  Governor, 

— Sending  Benjamin  Hatfield,  -  -  91 

August  21. — Captain  John  Craig  to  Colonel  Frelinghuysen — 
Giving  information  in  reference  to  operations  in  Wood- 
bridge  Neck,  •  •  92 

August  23. — Ebenezer  Hazard,  at  Philadelphia,  to  the  Governor 

— Relating  to  Andrew  Buskirk,  a  post-rider,  •  93 

August  25. — Colonel  Frederick  Frelinghuysen,  at  Raritan,  to  the 
Governor— Commenting  on  the  state  of  the  country,  the 
apparent  want  of  loyalty  in  Hunterdon — Sullivan's  Expedi 
tion  to  Staten  Island,  &c.  -  -  -  94 

August  25. — Edward  Taylor,  of  Middletown,  to  the  Governor 

and  Legislature — Relating  to  his  Imprisonment,  -  -  96 

August  27. — List  of  prisoners  ordered  to  Princeton  from  Eliza 
bethtown,  by  Col.  F.  Frelinghuysen,  -  98 

September  5. — The  President  of  Continental  Congress  at  Phila 
delphia,  to  the  Governor — Complimentary  to  the  Militia  of 
New  Jersey,  &c.,  -  -  98 

September  12 — The  same  to  the  same — Calling  out  four  thousand 

of  the  Jersey  militia,  •     99 

September  20. — The  Governor,  at  Haddonfield,  to  Brig.  Gen. 
Newcomb — Ordering  the  Militia  of  Woodbury  to  march 
against  the  enemy,  -  -  -  100 

October  4. — The  Governor,  at  Princeton,  to  the  President  of  the 
Continental  Congress — Remonstrating  against  the  removal 
into  New  Jersey  of  Governor  Penn  and  Chief  Justice 
Chew,  of  Pennsylvania,  &c.,  -  -  101 

October  4. — Colonel  Wm.  Maxwell,  to   the  Governor — Relating 

to  the  insufficiency  of  the  clothing  furnished  the  troops,       -  103 

October  6. — General  Washington,  at  Philadelphia,  to  General 
Forman — Authorizing  the  discharge  of  some  of  the  Jersey 
Militia,  -  -  104 

October  9. — Elisha  Boudinot,  at  Newark,  to  the  Governor — 
Declining  the  appointment  of  Secretary  to  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  -  -  105 

October  17. — The  President  of  the  Continental  Congress  to  the 
Assembly — Relating  to  the  clothing  required  for  the  troops.    106 

October  18. — William  Paterson,  at  Morristown,  to  the  Governor 
— Respecting  the  mode  of  trial  in  case  of  sundry  insurgents 
— Apprehensions  felt  at  Newark  about  Captain  Kennedy's 
course — The  mode  of  selecting  the  detachment  sent  to  the 
service  in  Pennsylvania — Announcing  Burgoyne's  Surren 
der,  &c.,  .  -  -  -  -  -  -  107 


X  CONTENTS. 

1777.  PAGE. 

November  20. — Jonathan  Elmer,  Delegate  in  Congress,  at  York- 
town,  to  the  Speaker  of  the  Assembly — Announcing  his 
intended  return  to  New  Jersey,  and  commenting  upon  his 
pay  in  comparison  with  that  of  Delegates  from  other  States,  109 

December  23. — The  President  of  the  Continental  Congress,  at 
Yorktown,  to  the  Assembly — Transmitting  resolves  against 
"  the  arts  and  avarice  of  engrossers  and  extortioners,"  &c.,  Ill 

1778. 

May  25. — The  Board  of  War  to  the  Governor — Applying  for 
the  Andover  Iron  Works,  - 

May  28. — Colonel  Benjamin  Flower,  at  Lebanon,  to  the  Gov 
ernor — Relating  to  the  same  subject,  -  114 

June  17. — The  President  of  the  Continental  Congress,  at  York- 
town,  to  the  Governor — Commenting  upon  the  course  of 
the  enemy,  calling  for  reinforcements,  and  informing  him  of 
an  embargo  laid  on  provisions  of  all  kinds,  -  -  116 

June  16. — General  Wm.  Winds,  at  Elizabeth  town,  to  the  Legis 
lature — Stating  his  great  want  of  ammunition,  -  -  117 

July  13. — Nathaniel  Scudder,  of  Freehold,  to  John  Hart, 
Speaker  of  the  Assembly — Recommending  the  granting  of 
further  powers  to  the  Delegates  in  Congress  as  to  the  ratifi 
cation  of  the  confederation,  mentioning  some  of  the  objec 
tions,  &c.,  -  -  -  119 

September  10. — Quarter-Master-General  Charles  Pettit,  at  White 

Plains,  to  General  Washington — Relating  to  Forage,  -  123 

September  6 — Colonel  Clement  Biddle  to  Quarter-Master- Gen. 

Pettit,  enclosed  in  the  foregoing,  -  -  126 

September  29. — Governor  Livingston  to  the  Legislature — Enclo 
sing  the  two  foregoing  letters,  -  128 

September  17. — Jonathan  Elmer  to  the  Legislature — Accepting 

the  appointment  of  Delegate  to  Congress,  -  .128 

November  2. — Colonel  Benjamin  Holme,  at  Cumberland,  to  the 

Governor — Resigning  his  commission,  -  129 

November  11. — Nathaniel  Scudder,  Gouverneur  Morris  and  Wil 
liam  Whipple,  a  Committee  of  Congress,  at  Philadelphia,  to 
the  Governor — Desiring  enquiries  to  be  instituted  into  the 
agricultural  resources  of  the  states,  -  130 

November  11. — The  same  to  the  same — Suggesting  measures  to 

prevent  the  engrossing  of  supplies,  -  132 

November  11. — The  same  to  the  same — Relating  to  officers  en 
gaged  in  engrossing  articles  required  for  the  public,  -  133 

December  2. — P.  Scull,  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  War,  to  the 
Governor — Answering  complaints  of  a  want  of  clothing  by 
the  New  Jersey  troops,  -  -  134 


CONTENTS.  XI 

1779. 

January  7. — Chief  Justice  John  C.  Symmes  to  the  Governor — 
Detailing  the  cases  of  a  criminal  character  which  had  come 
before  him  in  Gloucester  and  Cumberland,  -  135 

January  14. — Colonel  Clement  Biddle  to  the  Governor — Refer 
ring  to  the  supplies  of  Forage,        -  -  -   139 
January  19. — Gouverneur   Morris  and  Wm.  Whipple,  a  Com 
mittee  of  the  Continental  Congress,  to   the   Governor — Re 
ferring  to  the  practice  of  engrossing,  -   140 
March  25. — John  Fell,  Delegate  to  Congress,  at  Philadelphia,  to 
the    Governor — Complaining  of   the    absence  of    his    col 
leagues,  &e.,  •  141 
April  17. — Memorial  of  the  Officers  of  the  Jersey  Brigade  to  the 

Legislature — Asking  for  pay  in  Spanish  milled  dollars,  &c.,     143 
April  25. — General  William  Maxwell,  at  Elizabethtown,  to  the 
Legislature — Relating  to  the  wants  of  the  officers  and  sol 
diers  of  the  Jersey  Brigade,  •   146 
April  26. — The   same   to  the   same — Commenting  upon  public 
affairs  and  the  evils  likely  to  result  from  the  associations  of 
Captains  Kennedy  and  McCloud  and  Mrs.  Chandler,  -   151 
April  29.— Frederick  Frelinghuysen,  Delegate  to  the  Continental 
Congress,  to    Baleb    Camp,  Speaker  of   the    Assembly — 
Resigning  his  seat,  -   155 
May  6. — Memorial  of  the  Officers  of  the  Jersey  Brigade  to  the 

Legislature — Respecting  their  pay,  •   156 

.... — Major  John  N.  Cummings  and  Capt.  Joseph  Anderson 
in  behalf  of  their  fellow  officers,  to  the  Legislature — Asking 
for  the  adoption  of  measures  for  their  relief,  -  157 

6. — Brig.  General  William  Maxwell,  at  Elizabethtown,  to 
General  Washington — Referring  to  the  complaints  of  the 
Officers  of  the  first  regiment,  -  159 

7. — General  Washington,  at  Middlebrook,  to  Brig.  General 
Maxwell — Answering  the  foregoing,  -  161 

]\fay  8. — Officers  of  the  first  regiment,  at  Elizabethtown,  to 
General  Washington — Referring  to  their  Memorials,  and 
noticing  the  above  letter  to  General  Maxwell,  -  164 

May  10. — General  Washington  to  Brig.  General  Maxwell — Com 
menting  upon  the  course  of  the  Officers,     -  166 
May  22. — The  Board  of  War  to  the  Governor  and  Speaker  of 
the    Assembly — Giving   the    members,    &c.,  of   the  New- 
Jersey  forces  in  service  and  required,                                       -   168 
June  ---. — General  Washington,  at  Middlebrook,  to  the  Governor 

— Referring  to  the  want  of  wagons,  -  -172 

August  26. — The  same  to  the  same — Relating  to  the  want  of 

Clothing,  ..-  -  -   173 


Xll  CONTENTS. 

1779.  PAGE  . 

September  23. — Governor  Livingston  to  the  House  of  Assembly 

— Answering  enquiries  respecting  the  state  regiment,  -  175 

September  25. — Colonel  John  Taylor,  on  Raritan,  to  the  Gov 
ernor — Respecting  the  State  Regiment,  -  -  177 

September  27. — General  Washington,  at  West  Point,  to  the 
Governor — Recommending  vigorous  preparations  in  view  of 
a  co-operation  with  an  expected  French  squadron,  -  -  181 

September  27. — Enos  Kelsey,  at  Princeton,  to  the  Speaker  of  the 
Assembly — Giving  an  estimate  of  supplies  required  for  the 
Jersey  Brigade,  -  -  183 

October  4. — George  Clinton,  Governor  of  New  York,  at  Kings 
ton,  to  the  Governor — Enclosing  sundry  Resolutions  of  the 
Legislature  of  New  York,  -  -  185 

October  1. — Resolutions  of  the  Legislature  of  New  York — 
Against  outrages  committed  upon  the  inhabitants  of  Long- 
Island,  &c. — Enclosed  in  the  foregoing  Letter,  •  -  186 

October  4. — General  Washington,  at  West  Point,  to  the  Governor 
— Calling  for  2000  men  from  New  Jersey,  and  urging  the 
necessary  measures  for  supplying  them  with  Provisions,  -  187 

October  5. — From  Wm.  H.  Houston,  Delegate  to  Congress,  at 
Philadelphia,  to  the  Governor — Relating  to  the  Recal  of 
Arthur  Lee,  as  Commisssioner  at  Madrid,  -  -  -  191 

October  22-25. — Proceedings  of  the  Legislature  of  New  York, 
on  a  proposition  of  the  Legislature  of  New  Jersey,  for  a 
general  regulation  and  limitation  of  Prices,  -  195 

October  25. — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  President  of  the  Senate,  and 
Evert  Bancker,  Speaker  of  the  Assembly  of  the  State  of 
New  York,  to  the  Governor  and  Speaker  of  the  Assembly, 
— Transmitting  the  foregoing  Proceedings,  -  198 

October  30. — Isaac  Collins  to  the  Legislative  Council — In  an 
swer  to  a  call  for  the  author  of  an  article  signed  "  Cincin- 
natus,"  in  the  New  Jersey  Gazette,  -  199 

November  12. — Wm.  H.  Houston,  Delegate  to  Congress,  at  Phil 
adelphia,  to  the  Governor — Relating  to  the  Finances — 
Taxes,  &c. — The  case  of  the  Sloop  Active,  &c.,  -  -  200 

November  22. — John  Witherspoon,  Nathaniel  Scudder,  John 
Fell,  and  Wm.  H.  Houston,  Delegates  in  Congress,  at  Phil 
adelphia,  to  the  Governor — Referring  to  the  Plan  for  the 
Limitation  of  Prices,  -  204 

December  21. — General  Washington,  at  Morristown,  to  the 
Governor — Requesting  the  adoption  of  measures  for  calling 
out  the  whole  Militia  of  the  State  in  the  most  speedy  manner,  206 

1780. 

February  14. — Chief  Justice  Symmes  to  the  Governor — Relative 
to  disagreements  between  the  officers  and  men  of  the  New 
Jersey  Line  as  to  the  period  of  enlistments,  -  .  210 


CONTENTS.  Xlll 

1780.  PAGE. 

February  17. — Abraham  Clark,  Delegate  to  Congress  at  Phila 
delphia,  to  the  Speaker  of  the  Assembly — Referring  to  the 
Convention  for  regulating  Prices — And  subjects  before 
Congress,  -  212 

February  20. — General  Washington  at  Morristown  to  the  Gov 
ernor — Transmitting  a  return  of  the  Quota  of  the  Troops 
from  New  Jersey,  •  207 

February  26. — The  same  to  the  same,  -  -  214 

March  20. — The  President  of  Congress  to  the  Governor — Rela 
ting  to  the  Act  of  Congress  for  bringing  in  the  Continental 
Currency,  -  215 

May  22. — Wm.  H.  Houston,  Delegate  to  Congress  at  Philadelphia 
to  the  Governor — Relating  to  Measures  of  Finance — The 
Embargo  Act,  &c.  ....  216 

June  2. — General  Washington  at  Morristown  to  the  Governor — 

Calling  for  Reinforcements,  -  219 

June  4. — Wm.  H.  Houston,  Delegate  in  Congress  at  Philadelphia, 
to  the  Governor — Informing  him  of  the  Capitulation  of 
Charlestown,  -  -  221 

Jnne  5. — The  same  to  the  same — Enclosing  Resolutions  of  Con 
gress  respecting  Deserters  and  the  defence  of  the  Interior,  224 

June  12 — Philip  Schuyler,  Chairman  of  a  Committee  of  Con- 
gress,  then  at  Morristown,  to  the  Governor — Relating  to 
the  critical  condition  of  affairs,  -  -  -  225 

May  25. — General  Washington  to  a  Committee  of  Congress — 

Enclosed  in  the  foregoing,  -  -  228 

June  15. — The  President  of  Congress  to  the  Governor — Renew 
ing  their  application  for  aid,  -  -  231 

June  19. — John  Matthews  and  Nathaniel  Peabody,  Committee  of 
Co-operation  at  Morristown,  to  the  Governor — Repeating 
the  solicitations  for  assistance,  and  enclosing  a  Letter  from 
General  Washington,  -  233 

June  19. — General  Washington  at  Springfield,  to  the  Committee 

of  Co-operation — Enclosed  in  the  foregoing,  -  235 

June  20. — The  same  to  the  same — Referring  to  a  proposed 

System  of  Co-operation  among  the  several  states,  -  -  236 

June  23. — The  same  at  Rockaway,  to  the  same — Giving 
information  of  the  movements  of  the  enemy,  and  reiterating 
his  wish  to  have  the  States  urged  to  a  speedy  compliance 
with  his  requisitions,  -  238 

June  23. — The  Committee  of  Co-operation  at  Morristown,  to  the 
Governor — Enclosing  the  foregoing, 

June  29. — The  President  of  Congress  to  the  Governor — Calling 

for  Funds,  ....  -  240 


Xiv  CONTENTS. 

1780.  PAGE 

June  30. — General  Washington,  at  Ramapaugh,  to  the  Governor 

— Relating  to  the  time  for  the  arrival  of  the  new  levies,  &c.  242 
july  7. — Benjamin  Stoddard,  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  War  to 

the    Governor — Informing  him    of  two    guns    at  Carlisle 

belonging  to  New  Jersey,  -  243 

August  16. — The  Committee  of  Co-operation,  at  Camp  Tappan, 

to  the  Governor — Calling  for  Supplies,        -  -  244 

August    17. — General    Washington,    at    Orange  Town,   to    the 

Governor — Relating  to  the  New  Jersey  quota  of  Troops,    -  246 
August  19. — The  Committee  of  Co-operation  to  the  Governor — 

Urging    more   strenuous  exertions  to  reinforce  and  supply 

the  army,  -  248 

August  26. — General  Washington,  at  Bergen,  to  the  Governor — 

Referring  to  the  prevailing  want  of  Provisions,  -  254 

August  27. — The  same  to  the  same — On  the  same  subject,          -  256 
September  3. — The   President  of  Congress  to  the   Governor — 

Respecting  old  and  new  Bills  of  Credit,  &c.  •  258 

September  9. — Abraham  Skinner,  Commissary  of  Prisoners,  to 

the  Governor — Relating  to  the  Jersey  prisoners  in  the  hands 

of  the  Enemy,       -  -  260 

September  15. — Hendrick  Van  Brunt,  John  Mercer,  and  Bate- 
man  Lloyd,  in  behalf  of  the  Jersey  Prisoners  of  War  on 
Long  Island,  to  the  Governor — Asking  the  attention  of  the 
Legislature  to  their  wants,  -  261 

Without  Date. — Timothy  Pickering,  Q.  M.  General,  to  the  Legis 
lature — Setting  forth  the  want  of  Forage  in  the  Army,  -  264 

September  14. — The  President  of  Congress  to  the  Governor — 

Requesting  an  immediate  supply  of  Cattle,  -  264 

October  31. — Abraham  Clark,  Delegate  to  Congress  at  Philadel 
phia,  to  Josiah  Hornblower,  Speaker  of  the  Assembly — 
Commenting  upon  a  Resolution  granting  half  pay  for  Life 
to  the  officers  of  the  Army,  &c.,  -  -  267 

December  4. — Judge  Wm.  Patterson,  at  Raritan,  to  the  Legisla 
ture — Declining  the  appointment  of  Delegate  to  Congress,  269 

1781. 

January  15. — The    President  of  Congress   to  the    Governor — 

Relating  to  the  Financial  Affairs  of  the  country,     -  -  270 

February  8. — The  same  to  the  same — Transmitting  Resolves  of 
Congress  asking  for  authority  to  levy  a  duty  upon  importa 
tions,  -  -  274 

March  23. — The  same  to  the  same — Transmitting  Acts  of 
Congress  relating  to  the  Currency,  and  an  assessment  of 
six  millions,  -  ....  277 

May  14. — The  same  to  the  same— Relating  to  the  want  of 

supplies  by  the  Army,  .  .  278 


CONTENTS.  XV 

1781.  PAGE. 

May  24. — Abraham  Clark,  at  Trenton,  to  the  Chairman  of  the 
Joint  Meeting  of  the  Legislature — Resigning  his  seat  as 
Delegate  to  Congress,  -  -  279 

May  25. — Gen.  Phil.  Dickinson  to  Josiah  Hornblower,  Speaker 
of  the  Assembly — In  relation  to  the  condition  of  the 
Military  Companies  in  the  State,  -  -  280 

July  25. — Robert  Morris,  at  Philadelphia,  to  the  Governor — 

Relating  to  the  accounts  of  the  State,  -  282 

August  22. — The  same  to  the  same — Referring  to  the  Supplies 

demanded  by  Congress,  -  -  287 

October  23. — Abraham  Clark,  Delegate  to  Congress  at  Philadel 
phia,  to  the  Speaker  of  Assembly — Referring  to  a  division 
of  the  Islands,  &c.,  in  the  Delaware  Bay  and  River  between 
Pennsylvania,  Delaware  and  New  Jersey.  -  -  288 

October  31. — The  President  of  Congress  to  the  Governor — 

Transmitting  a  Proclamation,  &c.,  for  general  Thanksgiving,  291 

November  21. — The  Governor,  at  Trenton,  to  the  Speaker  of  the 

Assembly — Relating  to  his  Salary,  -  294 

December  12. — The  President  of  Congress  to  the  Governor — 
Referring  to  Acts  of  Congress  calling  upon  the  States  to 
complete  their  quota  of  troops,  and  recommending  a  census 
of  the  inhabitants,  -  296 

December  17. — Address  of  Congress  to  the  States — Calling  for 

renewed  exertions,  -  297 

December  17. — Abraham  Clark,  Delegate  in  Congress  at  Phila 
delphia,  to  John  Mehelm,  Speaker  of  the  Assembly — 
Respecting  the  settlement  of  the  claim  of  Islands,  &c.,  in 
the  Delaware,  .  300 

1782. 

January  22  — General  Washington,  at  Philadelphia,  to  the  Gov- 

ernor--In  relation  to  the  finances  of  the  country,  -  303 

January  31. — The  same  to  the  same — Transmitting  a  return  of 

the  men  from  New  Jersey  in  service,  &c.,  -  306 

March  5. — The  same  to  the  same — In  reference  to  the  wants  of 

the  next  campaign,  .  310 

May  4. — The  same  to  the  same — Urging  preparations  for  the 

ensuing  campaign,  .  312 

May  8.— The  same  to  the  same—Commenting  upon  debates  in 

Parliament  on  American  affairs,  -  -  317 

July  29.— Robert  Morris  to  the  Governor— Relating  to  the 

Finances,  .  318 

July  30.— The  same  to  the  same— On  the  mode  of  collecting  taxes,  320 

September  16.--Abraham  Clark,  Delegate  in  Congress  at  Phila 
delphia,  to  Joseph  Cooper- -Relating  to  Islands  in  the 
Delaware,  -  322 


XVI  CONTENTS. 

1782.  PAGE 

September  26. — The  same  to  John  Mehelm,  Speaker  of  the  As 
sembly — Respecting  the  quotas  of  old  bills  of  credit  to  be 
sunk  by  several  States — The  public  debt,  &c.,  -  324 

December  14. — Benjamin  Franklin,  at  Passy,  France,  to  Robert 

Morris — Relating  to  the  interests  of  America  abroad,  •  327 

1783. 

March  18. — Robert  R.  Livingston,  at  Philadelphia,  to  the  Gov 
ernor — Transmitting  copy  of  Provisional  Treaty  of  Peace,  &c.  330 

June  5. — Robert  Morris  to  the  Governor,  .  .  .  332 

June  1. — General  Washington  to  the  President  of  Congress — 
Transmitting  an  address  of  the  Officers  of  the  Army  to  him, 
with  his  answer,  -  -  -  333 

July   11. — Rober  Morris  to  the  Governor — On  the   state  of  the 

Finances,  -  -  340 

July  28. — The  same  to  the  same,  -  343 

October  29. — Elias  Boudinot,  at  Princeton,  to  the  Chairman  of 
the  Joint  Meeting — Requesting  to  be  allowed  to  retire  from 
public  service,  •  •  346 

November  8. — Governor  Livingston  to  the  Legislature — Ack 
nowledging  his  election  as  Governor,  -  348 

December  23. — Thomas  Mifflin,  President  of  Congress,  at  An 
napolis,  to  the  Governor — Requesting  the  attendance  of 
Delegates  from  New  Jersey,  •  -  349 

December  24. — The  same  to  the  same,  -  349 

1784. 

October  24. — Governor  Livingston  to  the  Legislature — In  ack 
nowledgment  of  his  re-election,  -  -  351 

1785. 

August  24. — The  Secretary  of  Congress  to  the  Governor — In 
relation  to  the  finances,  and  the  necessity  for  an  enumeration 
of  the  inhabitants,  &c.,  -  -  352 

October  22. — Benjamin  Thompson,  Commissioner  for  settling  the 
accounts  of  New  Jersey,  at  Newark,  to  the  Governor — 
Relating  to  the  claims  of  New  Jersey,  -  -  356 

November  13. — Baron  Steuben  to  the  Governor— Relating  to  the 

purchase  of  a  tract  of  land  near  Hackensack,  -  359 

November  18.-__The  Secretary  of  Congress  to  the   Governor — 

Asking  for  the  attendance  of  the  Delegates  from  New  Jersey,  359 

1786. 

February  23 — -Patrick  Henry,  Speaker  of  the  Assembly  of  Vir 
ginia,  to  the  Governor_-Informing  him  of  the  appointment 
of  a  Committee  to  meet  with  others  from  the  different  States 
for  the  purpose  of  framing  regulations  for  trade,  &c.  -  360 

March  1.— The  Secretary  of  Congress  to  the  Governor-— Refer 
ring  to  the  absence  of  Members  of  Congress,  •  361 


CORRESPONDENCE 


From  John  Smyth,  Treasurer,  fyc.  to  Samuel  Tucker,  Esq. 
President  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New  Jersey. 

Perth  Amboy,  February  21st,  1776. 

SIR, — In  answer  to  yours  of  yesterday's  date,  which 
came  to  my  hands  last  evening,  I  beg  you  will  inform  the 
Congress  that  I  still  look  upon  myself  as  Treasurer 
under  my  former  obligation ;  and  am  very  willing  to 
execute  the  office  in  the  best  manner  I  can,  under  the 
condition  I  heretofore  mentioned  to  them,  and  which 
they  thought  reasonable,  to  wit :  that  my  securities 
and  myself  be  indemnified  from  all  damages  whatever 
that  may  happen  by  the  provincial  chest  being  taken 
out  of  my  hands ;  for  they  must  be  sensible  of  greater 
risk  in  the  execution  of  that  office  when  the  chest  is  at 
a  distance,  than  if  it  were  ia  my  own  house.  My 
own  misconduct,  carelessness  or  negligence  I  expect 
to  answer  for. 

On    the    8th   instant   I   wrote   you  a   letter,  which  I 

i 


2  CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1776. 

sent  by  a  special  messenger,  who,  on  his  return,  told 
me  he  delivered  it  into  your  own  hands ;  I  should 
otherwise  have  thought  myself  extremely  blame- 
able  for  not  letting  the  Congress  hear  from  me  in 
so  long  a  time  ;  but  as  no  notice  is  taken  of  that  letter 
in  yours,  conclude  it  to  be  mislaid.  I  am  obliged  to 
the  Congress  for  a  copy  of  their  Resolve,  relative  to 
my  receiving  Continental  money  into  the  Treasury.  I 
should  not  have  wished  for  their  sanction  in  any  other 
instance  than  of  money  to  be  sunk,  but  am  sorry  it 
should  appear  in  their  minutes  that  I  ever  refused  it. 
I  did  at  first  tell  Col.  Ford  I  believed  I  would  not  do 
it,  but  on  a  second  conference  he  agreed  to  take  it 
back  wtih  the  view  of  changing  it  for  Jersey  money, 
which  he  said  he  believed  he  could  do,  and  if  he  could 
not  I  told  him  that  I  would  receive  it. 

My  leg  now  begins  to  mend,  and  hope  soon  to  be 
able  to  attend  to  the  chest  at  Mr.  Schenck's,  as  occa 
sion  may  require. 

I  am  your  most  humble  servant, 

JOHN  SMYTH. 


From  John  Smyth  to  Samuel  Tucker,  Esq., 
President  of  the  Provincial  Congress. 

Perth  Amboy,  February  22d,  1776. 

SIR, — It  is  impossible  I  can  give  an  explicit  answer  to 
your  letter  of  yesterday  until  I  have  consulted  my  securi 
ties,  which  I  would  have  done  before  now,  had  I  not  un 
derstood  from  the  Congress  that  my  securities  and  myself 


1776.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.         3 

were  to  be  indemnified  from  the  additional  risk  occa 
sioned  by  the  removal  of  the  provincial  chest,  and  am 
almost  certain  it  is  what  the  Congress  consented  to; 
but  the  place  where  the  chest  was  to  be  fixed  was  the 
only  uncertainty  in  which  case  I  thought  it  unnecessary 
to  consult  my  securities ; — but  since  it  must  be  done, 
I  have  dispatched  a  messenger  to  Mr.  Stevens,  the  only 
one  of  them  who  lives  at  a  distance,  and  when  I  get 
his  answer  the  Congress  shall  immediately  hear  from 

me  again. 

I  am  your  humble  servant, 

JOHN  SMYTH. 


From  John  Smyth  to  Samuel  Tucker,  Esq., 
President  of  the  Provincial  Congress. 

Perth  Amboy,  February  26th,  1776. 

SIR, — Mr.  Stevens,  according  to  my  request,  has  been 
so  good  as  to  come  down  to  this  place,  to  whom  I  com 
municated  the  letters  sent  me  by  the  Congress  relative 
to  the  removal  of  the  Treasury,  as  I  did  to  my  other 
securities  some  time  before.  I  find  that  they  are  willing 
to  continue  security  for  me,  considering  the  difficulty 
of  the  times,  provided  the  chest  is  removed  to  a  place 
where  the  office  may  be  executed  in  the  usual  manner. 
I  would  therefore  propose  that  as  I  am  not  now  able, 
and  have  little  prospect  of  being  so  in  less  than  six 
weeks,  to  attend  the  chest  if  it  be  removed  to  Mr. 
Stevens',  who  will  receive  the  taxes  that  are  still  to 
be  paid  in,  and  the  county  collectors  may  be  desired 


4         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY  [1776. 

to  attend  at  his  house  for  that  purpose ;  in  which  case 
no  one  will  or  can  have  access  to  the  chest  but  those 
who  have  already  entered  into  engagements,  and  are 
by  law  accountable  to  the  public  for  the  due  perform 
ance  of  my  office,  which  cannot  in  justice  or  reason 
be  expected  of  me  or  them,  without  the  chest  is  suffered 
to  remain  in  my  or  their  possession. 

As  this  proposal  fully  comprehends  the  declared  in 
tention  of  the  Congress  in  removing  the  chest,  I  cannot 
doubt  its  proving  fully  agreeable  and  satisfactory  to 
them.  Whenever  1  am  able  to  attend  to  the  duty  of 
the  office  abroad,  the  chest  may  then  be  removed  to 
any  other  place  that  shall  be  agreed  upon  by  all  con 
cerned, — there  to  remain  until  we  see  happier  times. 

Mr.  Stevens  goes  home  by  way  of  Brunswick,  to 
whom  1  beg  you  will  please  to  give  your  answer,  who 
will  forward  it  to  me. 

I  am  your  most  humble  servant, 

JOHN   SMYTH. 


Resolve*  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

Trenton,  March  2(:>tli,  1770. 

The  committee  considering  the  critical  situation  of 
the  city  and  province  of  New  York,  represented  in  the 
letters  from  brigadier  generals  Thompson  and  Lord 
Sterling,  and  the  recommendation  of  the  Continental 
Congress  to  this  committee  on  that  subject : 

Do  order  and  resolve  that  three  battalions  of  militia 
be  draughted  out  of  the  oiilitia  ol  th:;  province,  in 


1776.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.         5 

manner  following,  viz :  From  Hunterdon  county  four 
hundred  and  forty  men,  and  from  Burlington  county 
two  hundred  and  twenty  men,  who  are  to  join  and 
form  one  battalion.  From  Somerset  two  hundred  and 
twenty  men,  from  Sussex  two  hundred  and  twenty  men, 
and  from  Morris  two  hundred  and  twenty  men,  who 
are  also  to  join  and  form  another  battalion.  From 
Middlesex  one  hundred  men,  from  Monrnouth  one 
hundred  and  forty  men,  from  Essex  two  hundred  and 
twenty  men,  from  Bergen  two  hundred  men,  who  are 
likewise  to  join  and  form  another  battalion. 

The  whole  to  march  to  the  city  of  New  York  with 
the  greatest  expedition,  under  the  command  of  the 
brigadier  generals  Dickinson  and  Livingston,  and  such 
field  officers,  captains,  and  subalterns  as  are  necessary 
to  command  the  said  battalions. 

Resolved,  that  in  order  to  facilitate  this  service, 
twelve  wagons  be  furnished  to  the  generals  to  carry 
the  baggage  of  the  several  battalions. 

Whereas  from  the  scarcity  of  arms,  the  draughts  may 
not  all  be  properly  provided  with  the  same  : 

Resolved,  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  several 
companies  of  militia,  to  lend  their  arms  to  such  as  may 
want  them,  and  if  a  sufficient  number  cannot  be  ob 
tained  in  a  voluntary  manner,  the  several  captains  are 
hereby  impowered  to  impress  them,  so  as  to  completely 
equip  such  as  are  going  upon  the  present  important  ser 
vice,  the  arms  so  lent  or  impressed  to  be  appraised  by 
indifferent  persons,  if  lost  or  damaged  in  action,  or 
real  service,  the  value  to  be  paid  to  the  owner  by  the 


6     CORRESPONDENCE  OF  THE  NEW  JERSEY    [1776. 

province,  if  lost  or  injured  by  negligence  the  occupier 
to  make  good  the  damages. 

Resolved,  that  the  generals  may  draw  on  the  trea 
sury  of  the  provincial  Congress  of  New  Jersey,  for  the 
sum  of  one  thousand  pounds,  if  so  much  be  necessary 
for  the  subsistence  of  the  troops  on  their  march  to  the 
city  of  New  York. 

By  order  of  the  committee, 

SAMUEL  TUCKER,  President. 


From  the  President  of  the  Continental  Congress  to  the 
Convention  of  New  Jersey. 

Philadelphia,  June  18,  1776. 

GENTLEMEN, — It  is  impossible  fully  to  ascertain  the 
strength  of  our  enemies,  or  the  force  destined  for  New 
York.  It  is  incumbent  on  us  to  be  prepared  to  defend 
ourselves  against  any  number  of  troops  that  may  be 
ordered  against  that  place.  This,  it  is  apparent,  can 
never  be  effectually  done  but  by  adopting  the  enclosed 
resolve,  wherein  it  is  recommended  by  Congress  to  your 
colony,  to  empower  the  General  at  New  York,  to  call 
such  part  of  the  militia  to  his  assistance,  as  may  be  ne 
cessary  to  repel  our  enemies. 

The  great  advantages  the  American  cause  will  re 
ceive  from  the  Civil  power  thus  lending  its  aid  to  the 
military,  and  acting  in  conjunction  with  it,  are  too  man 
ifest  to  be  mentioned.  The  whole  strength  of  a  Colo 
ny,  may,  by  these  means,  be  drawn  to  a  point,  the  in 
stant  the  situation  of  affairs  shall  render  it  necessary. 


1776.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.         7 

The  colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  while  the  British 
troops  lay  in  Boston,  passed  a  Resolve,  at  the  request 
of  Congress,  similar  to  that  which  they  now  recommend 
to  you. 

The  colony  of  New  Jersey,  will,  I  am  persuaded, 
imitate  their  example  on  the  present  occasion ;  and 
convince  her  sister  Colonies,  that  in  virtue  and  love  of 
her  country,  she  is  determined  to  be  exceeded  by  none. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Gentlemen, 
Your  most  ob't  and  very  humble  serv't, 

JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 


From  the  General  commanding  at  New  York,  to  the 
President  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New  Jersey. 

New  York,  August  8,  1776. 

SIR, — I  have  received  repeated  information,  that  a 
number  of  persons  known  to  be  inimical  to  the  cause  of 
the  American  States,  or  of  suspicious  characters,  have 
lately  removed  from  this  and  other  places  in  to  the  county 
of  Monmouth  in  New  Jersey,  with  intent,  no  doubt  from 
its  situation,  of  communicating  with  and  aiding  our 
enemies.  All  those  of  similar  characters  on  Long  Island 
and  the  other  counties  adjacent  to  this  place,  will  be 
secured  by  to-morrow  morning,  and  I  must  urge  the 
necessity  on  your  Congress  of  adopting  the  same  mea 
sures  in  all  those  parts  of  your  Province  which  are 
most  contiguous  to  the  enemy.  There  are  some  also 
of  very  dangerous  characters,  who  I  am  informed  are 
lurking  in  the  neighborhood  of  Hackensack,  and  what 


8       CORRESPONDENCE  OF  THE  NEW  JERSEY   [1776. 

they  call  the  English  Neighborhood,  particularly  Ben 
jamin  Hugget  and  Frederick  Rhinelander. 

This  measure  has  now  become  the  more  necessary, 
as  from  the  intelligence  I  have  this  day  received,  there 
is  the  greatest  reason  to  believe  that  the  enemy  intend 
to  begin  their  operations  in  a  very  few  days,  and  that 
with  a  very  powerful  force.  For  not  only  a  consider 
able  part  of  the  foreign  troops,  the  British  Guards, 
and  an  additional  number  of  Scottish  troops  are  lately 
arrived  at  Staten  Island,  but  the  army  from  the  south 
ward  under  General  Clinton  also  joined  them  last 
Thursday.  I  must  also  urge  upon  your  Congress  the 
absolute  necessity  of  adopting  some  immediate  and 
effective  measures  for  completing  the  troops  voted,  and 
for  affording  every  other  reinforcement  to  this  place  that 
is  in  their  power,  by  detaching  a  considerable  body  of 
the  militia,  or  in  such  other  manner  as  will  be  most 
effectual. 

Of  the  3300  voted  by  your  State,  we  have  but  1458, 
and  in  the  same  proportion  from  the  other  Colonies,  so 
that  you  will  easily  conceive  what  an  alarming  situation 
we  are  in.  As  the  harvest  is  now  over,  and  the  militia 
engaged  most  cheerfully  to  return  if  necessary,  I  per 
suade  myself  they  will  readily  turn  out  upon  a  repre 
sentation  being  made  to  them  of  that  necessity. 

What  from  a  deficiency  of  the  old  regiments,  sick 
ness  and  the  failure  of  new  levies,  we  are  in  danger 
of  being  outnumbered  by  the  enemy  at  least  doubly, 
if  not  more.  The  consequences  may  be  fatal  unless 
prevented  by  the  spirit  of  the  country.  I  have  de- 


1776.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.         9 

spatched  expresses  to  Connecticut  to  call  in  their 
militia  immediately  with  their  arms,  blankets,  and  what 
ammunition  they  have,  as  the  supply  here  to  fit  their 
guns  is  attended  with  much  difficulty  and  delay.  I 
must  beg  your  attention  to  the  same  circumstances  as 
far  as  the  situation  of  things  will  admit,  but  so  as  not 
to  hinder  from  marching  those  who  cannot  come  so 
provided. 

From  Brigadier  General  Williamson,  to  the  Governor 
of  New  Jersey. 

Elizabeth  Town,  Sept.-  15,  1776. 

SIR, — I  had  the  honor  of  receiving  by  the  hands  of 
Peter  Sobriesky,  Esq.,  a  commission  appointing  me  to 
the  rank  of  Brigadier  General  of  the  Militia  Forces  of 
the  State  of  New  Jersey. 

I  am  laid  under  the  most  sensible  obligations  to  the 
Legislative  Council  and  Assembly  for  this  distinguishing 
mark  of  their  favorable  opinion  of  my  abilities,  and 

readiness  to  serve  mv  country,  at  a  time  big  with  events 

j ' 

of  the  most  solemn  nature  that  can  possibly  affect  a  free 
people.  I  can  with  gratitude  promise  that,  as  far  as 
my  small  abilities  enable  me,  I  will  execute  the  trust 
committed  to  my  care  with  the  utmost  fidelity — so  help 
me  God. 

I  must  beg  leave  to  trouble  your  Excellency  with 
some  difficulties  which  have  arisen  in  the  militia,  and 
which  without  a  speedy  removal  will  make  me  despair 
of  supporting  this  post  (immediately  under  my  care) 
with  that  strength  that  its  vicinity  to  the  enemy  and  its 
importance  requires.  Their  principal  complaint  is,  that 


10  CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1776. 

they  have  been  often  called  out  and  received  no  pay. 
This  real  grievance  of  theirs  your  Excellency  is  well 
acquainted  with,  and  without  a  speedy  remedy,  the 
important  posts  at  the  ferries  of  this  Town  will  in  a 
great  measure  be  abandoned  by  our  militia.  I  have  but 
little  hope  that  the  militia  who  were  upon  duty  the 
month  past  will  be  relieved  by  half  their  numbers.  I 
believe,  sir,  that  ^this  complaint  would  be  in  a  great 
measure  removed  by  the  appointment  of  some  person 
that  could  be  confided  in,  to  the  office  of  a  Muster  and 
Pay  Master,  to  attend  the  different  posts,  to  see  that  no 
false  returns  were  made  of  the  men,  and  who  being 
intrusted  with  sufficient  sums  of  the  public  money, 
might  pay  them  with  the  greatest  punctuality  at  the 
expiration  of  every  month's  service,  which  would  remove 
one  capital  cause  of  the  present  difficulties. 

Your  excellency  well  knows  the  imperfections  occa 
sioned  by  the  frequent  relieves  of  the  militia ;  for  my 
part,  I  think  if  no  expedient  is  fallen  upon  to  prevent 
it,  they  will  dwindle  away  to  a  mere  nothing  in  three 
or  four  relieves  more,  if  the  practice  of  monthly  rota 
tion  is  continued.  Should  the  militia  serve  six  months 
in  turn,  they  might  be  made  a  respectable  body,  and 
many  great  imperfections  in  discipline  removed.  I 
find  the  ammunition  magazines  in  this  town  are  very 
deficient.  The  committee,  I  believe,  have  it  under 
consideration,  and  will  make  the  proper  application  on 
that  head. 

I  am,  with  due  regard,  your  very  humble  servant, 

MATTHIAS  WILLIAMSON. 
His  Excellency  WILLIAM  LIVINGSTON,  Esq. 


1776.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.        11 

From  Judge  DeHart  to  the  Legislature. 

Elizabethtown,  September  16th,  1776. 

GENTLEMEN, — Mr.  Zabriskie  by  your  order  acquainted 
me  that  I  had  been  elected  Chief  Justice  of  the  State  of 
New  Jersey.  This  election  does  me  great  honor.  I 
can  only  wish  my  abilities  were  equal  to  that  high  and 
important  office,  but  such  as  they  are  they  shall  be  ex 
erted  to  discharge  with  dignity  and  uprightness  the  very 
great  trust  reposed  in  me. 

I  am,  gentlemen,  your  most  obliged  and  most  obedient 
servant,  JOHN  DsHART. 

To  the  Hon.  the  Legislative  Council  and  Assembly  of 

the  State  of  New  Jersey. 

From  Deputy  Quarter  Master  General  Biddle  to 
Governor  Livingston. 

Perth  Amboy,  September  19th,  1776. 

SIR, — I  received  orders  about  ten  days  ago  to  pur 
chase  a  quantity  of  grain  for  a  magazine  to  be  formed 
above  Bomdet's  ferry  for  the  supply  of  provender  for 
the  horses  of  the  army  on  the  New  York  side. 

I  engaged  Col.  John  Zabriskie  near  Hackensack  to 
purchase  about  2,000  bushels  of  oats,  corn  and  rye, 
which  he  informed  me  could  be  got  in  that  neighbor 
hood,  and  sent  to  a  more  distant  part  for  a  larger 
quantity.  I  was  much  surprised  on  receiving  a  letter 
from  my  assistant  at  Fort  Constitution,  in  which  he 
tells  me  Col.  Zabriskie  had  got  no  grain,  as  the  inhab 
itants  would  not  sell  it  without  gold  and  silver. 


12  CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1776. 

I   yesterday   received    orders    from   his    Excellency, 

Gen.  Washington,  and  from  Col. ,  Quarter 

Master  General,  which  make  it  requisite  to  have  a 
magazine  of  hay  and  grain  immediately  formed  at  or 
near  Fort  Constitution,  and  this  refusal  of  the  conti 
nental  money,  or  keeping  back  their  grain,  which  I  am 
ready  to  pay  the  full  value  for,  puts  it  out  of  my  power 
to  make  the  provision  I  am  ordered.  I  thought  it  my 
duty  to  acquaint  your  Excellency,  that  the  Legislature 
of  this  State  may  take  the  same  into  their  consideration 
and  pass  such  ordinance  or  resolves  as  may  to  them 
seem  necessary.  I  shall  be  glad  to  be  favored  with 
your  advice  on  this  subject,  and  am, 

With  great  respect  your  Excellency's  most  obedient 
and  very  humble  servant, 

CLEMENT  BIDDLE, 

D.  a  M.  Genera!. 
His  Excellency,  the  Governor  of  New  Jersey. 


From  Archibald  Kennedy  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Morristown,  September  30th,  1776. 

SIR, — By  an  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of 
New  Jersey,  I  have  been  confined  for  ten  weeks  past. 
I  don't  know  of  any  charge  against  me,  nor  the  reasons 
of  my  being  thus  forced  from  my  family.  But  I  have 
been  informed  several  half-pay  officers  have  been  per 
mitted  to  return  to  their  respective  places  of  abode  upon 
giving  their  parole  of  honor,  a  favor  which  I  flatter 
myself  will  be  extended  to  me,  and  which  I  shall  fully 


1776.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.        13 

comply  with,  having  a  numerous  family  of  above  fifty 
to  provide  for  every  day,  and  no  person  to  look  after 
my  property. 

I  need  not  say  more  on  this  subject,  but  hope  you  will 
take  the  above  into  serious  consideration,  and  permit 
me  to  return  to  my  family. 

I  am  your  most  humble  servant, 

ARCHIBALD  KENNEDY. 
His  Excellency,  William  Livingston,  Esq.,   Governor 

of  the  State  of  New  Jersey. 


From     the  President  of  the    Continental  Congress  to 
the  Assembly  of  JYeiv  Jersey. 

Philadelphia,  October  2nd,  1776. 

GENTLEMEN, — The  many  and  just  complaints  of  the 
insufficiency  of  the  surgeons  and  their  mates,  to  dis 
charge  their  duty  in  a  proper  manner,  have  induced 
Congress  to  pass  the  enclosed  resolves ;  recommending 
it  to  the  several  States  to  appoint  some  skilful  physicians 
as  examiners ;  without  whose  approbation  no  surgeon, 
or  surgeon's  mate  shall  receive  a  commission  either  in 
the  army  or  navy. 

The  Congress  being  at  present  deeply  engaged  in 
matters  of  the  utmost  importance  to  the  welfare  oj 
America,  have  judged  it  absolutely  necessary  that  there 
should  be  a  full  representation  of  the  several  States  as 
soon  as  possible.  For  this  end,  I  am  to  request,  in 
obedience  with  their  commands,  you  will  immediately 
take  proper  measures  to  comply  with  the  enclosed 


14          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1776. 

resolve,  in  order  that  the  United  States  may  be  fully 
represented  in  Congress ;  and  the  sentiments  of  Amer 
ica  be  the  better  known  upon  those  interesting  subjects 
that  lie  before  them.  I  shall  therefore  only  once  more 
request  your  compliance  with  this  requisition  of  Con 
gress,  and  have  the  honor  to  be,  Gentlemen, 
Your  most  obedient  and  very  humble  servant, 

JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 


From  the  President  of  the  Continental  Congress  to  the 
Assembly  of  New  Jersey. 

Philadelphia,  October  9th,  1776. 

GENTLEMEN, — The  enclosed  resolves  which  I  trans 
mit  in  obedience  to  the  commands  of  Congress,  will 
inform  you  of  the  ample  provision  they  have  made  for 
the  support  of  both  officers  and  soldiers  who  shall  enter 
into  the  service  during  the  war.  The  pay  of  the 
former  is  considerably  increased,  and  the  latter  is  to 
receive  annually  a  complete  suit  of  clothes  or  in  lieu 
thereof  the  sum  of  twenty  dollars,  should  he  provide  the 
suit  for  himself.  This  additional  encouragement,  besides 
the  twenty  dollars  bounty  and  one  hundred  acres  of  land 
formerly  granted,  the  Congress  expect  will  be  the  means 
of  engaging  the  troops  to  serve  during  the  war.  For 
this  purpose  also,  I  am  to  request  you  will  appoint  a 
committee  or  committees  to  repair  immediately  to  the 
army  to  induce  such  of  the  troops  as  have  been  raised 
by  your  state  to  enlist  during  the  war,  and  to  appoint 
officers  for  the  same. 


1776.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.        15 

The  Congress  for  very  obvious  reasons  are  extremely 
anxious  to  keep  the  army  together. 

The  dangerous  consequences  of  their  breaking  up, 
and  the  difficulty  of  forming  a  new  one,  are  inconceiva 
ble  ;  were  this  barrier  once  removed,  military  power 
would  quickly  spread  desolation  and  ruin  over  the  face 
of  our  country.  The  importance  and  indeed  absolute 
necessity  of  filling  up  the  army,  of  providing  for  the 
troops,  and  engaging  them  to  serve  during  the  war,  is 
so  apparent,  and  has  been  so  frequently  urged,  that  I 
shall  only  request  your  attention  to  the  resolves  of  Con 
gress  on  this  subject,  and  beseech  you,  by  that  love  you 
have  for  your  country,  her  rights  and  liberties,  to  exert 
yourselves  to  carry  them  speedily  and  effectually  into 
execution,  as  the  only  means  of  preserving  her  in  this 
her  critical  and  alarming  situation. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  gentlemen,  your  most  obedient 
and  very  humble  servant, 

JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 
Hon'ble  Assembly  of  New  Jersey. 

From  Colonel  Wm.  Maxwell  to  the  Governor,  Council 
and  Assembly. 

Point  Independence,  October  18th,  1776. 
GENTLEMEN, — Agreeably  to  your  instructions  sent  by 
the  Hon.  John  Cleve  Symmes  and  Tunis  Dey,  I  have 
furnished  them  with  the  necessary  returns.  Clothing 
I  did  not  think  worthy  of  mentioning  as  they  are 
chiefly  worn  out.  I  have  likewise  given  them  a  list  of 


16          CORRESPONDEiNCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY          [1776- 

those  officers  that  choose  to  continue  in  the  service 
during  the  war. 

I  am  sorry  to  inform  you,  that  there  is  not  one  man 
willing  at  present  (nor  do  I  think  they  will,  while  here) 
to  engage  to  stay  at  this  place  during  the  winter.  I 
have  laid  before  them  every  proposal  the  continental 
Congress  has  made  them ;  the  great  care  your  hon. 
house  is  taking  to  provide  them  with  warm  clothing,  and 
the  glorious  cause  we  are  now  engaged  in,  but  all  to  no 
purpose.  They  generally  say  that  they  will  engage  as 
soon  as  they  go  home,  and  I  believe  they  will.  This 
being  the  first  year  of  their  service,  and  it  has  been  so 
severe  a  one,  and  now  a  contract  offered,  that  they  know 
not  when  it  will  end,  it  may  be  easily  conceived  they 
will  require  a  little  time  to  deliberate. 

I  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you  that  I  have  in 
general  as  good  a  set  of  officers  as  there  is  in  any  bat 
talion  in  the  continental  service,  and  of  course  they 
will  make  good  soldiers  :  what  we  have  still  remaining 
in  health,  I  believe  there  is  none  better. 

I  beg  leave  in  a  particular  manner  to  recommend  to 
your  notice  Colonel  Shrieve,  he  has  been  very  attentive 
to  getting  a  thorough  knowledge  of  his  duty,  and  he  is 
the  oldest  Lieutenant  Colonel  belonging  to  our  State ; 
and  although  I  must  regret  his  absence  from  any  regi 
ment  I  should  have  the  honor  to  command,  yet  I  cannot 
help  doing  him  the  justice  to  recommend  him  to  you  as 
fit  for  the  first  preferment  in  these  battalions,  or  to 
command  the  fourth  to  be  raised. 

Major  Grey  has  behaved  spiritedly  on  every  occasion. 


1776.]       EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.       17 

He  was  at  the  head  of  the  first  division  of  my  battalion 
when  it  went  into  Canada,  and  has  gone  through  the 
several  fatigues  of  this  long  campaign  with  credit  to 
himself  and  all  his  acquaintance.  I  can  heartily  re 
commend  him  as  worthy  of  preferment. 

Captain  Shute  is  on  command,  but  has  frequently 
said  he  would  serve  during  the  war — I  think  you  may 
make  no  doubt  of  his  continuing.  My  assistant  and 
quarter-master  I  beg  leave  to  appoint  myself,  (Congress 
gave  me  this  right  before),  as  those  I  have  had  did  not 
suit  the  battalion  or  me. 

When  the  battalion  was  first  raised,  all  the  officers, 
excepting  the  field  ones,  lost  above  a  month's  rank, 
which  has  grated  them  much,  and  has  saved  nothing  to 
the  public. — The  case  was  thus  :  the  officers  got  only 
warrants  to  recruit  with,  instead  of  their  commissions. 
I  hope  that  you  will  remedy  that  evil  in  some  measure 
this  time,  by  dating  our  commissions  from  the  time  of 
our  entering  our  names  to  continue  in  the  service.  I 
am  informed  the  Pennsylvania  commissioners,  have  the 
commissions  for  their  officers  with  them. 

Captain  Scott  has  been  under  arrest  for  some  time 
past.     The  near  approach  of  the  enemy  will  not  permit 
us  to  have  a  general  court  martial ;  there  is  too  much 
business  for  the  officers : — Colonel  Dey  has  a  copy  of 
his  crime.     He  is  the  first  officer,  and  the  only  one,  put 
under  arrest,  belonging  to  the  battalion — I  hope  it  may 
be  the  last ;  but  they  may  depend  upon  coming  to  it 
when  found  to  deserve  it.     I  am,  Gentlemen, 
Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 
2  WILLIAM  MAXWELL. 


18  CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEV          [1776. 

From  fhe  President  of  the  Continental  Congress  to  the 

Governor. 

Philadelphia,  November  12th,  1776. 

SIR, — 1  am  directed  by  Congress  to  transmit  you  the 
enclosed  resolve,  and  to  request  your  attention  to  it. 
The  dangerous  intercourse  between  our  enemies  in 
New  York  and  Staten  Island,  and  the  internal  enemies 
of  America  in  different  parts  of  New  Jersey,  calls  for 
the  immediate  interposition  of  government  to  suppress 
it.  You  will  therefore  be  pleased,  in  conjunction  with 
your  Council  and  Assembly,  to  take  such  measures  for 
this  end  as  you  shall  judge  most  expedient. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  utmost  esteem,  sir, 
your  most  obedient  and  very  humble  servant, 

JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  Livingston. 


From  Col.  George  Taylor  to  John  Coven  lioven. 

November  19th,  177H. 

SIR, — I  have  taken  this  method  to  inform  you  and 
the  rest  of  the  House  that  Col.  Hendrickson's  month 
ends  next  Thursday  evening,  and  the  men  will  be  very 
anxious  to  return  home.  I  am  at  a  loss  how  to  act  in 
this  case,  as  the  Generals  are  out  and  no  orders  can  be 
given.  Another  thing  I  must  inform  you — that  I  have 
been  informed  that  an  act  of  your  house  makes  void  all 
commissions  when  the  bearer  does  not  qualify  :  as  to 
my  part,  gentlemen,  I  don't  choose  to  qualify'  for  several 


1776.]        EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.       19 

reasons,  and  if  officers  have  no  other  principles  to  bind 
them  but  oaths,  I  should  be  very  doubtful  whether  any 
very  extraordinary  matters  might  be  expected  from 
them.  This  subject  I  shall  drop,  and  request  your 
information  whether  you  choose  my  resignation  or 
whether  1  must  act  as  usual.  This,  gentlemen,  is  in 
your  breasts.  I  have  ordered  a  company  down  to 
Sandy  Hook;  the  post  I  think  lies  most  exposed.  I  shall 
now  remain  inactive  till  I  hear  further  from  you,  which 
I  expect  will  be  by  the  messenger,  as  I  have  sent  him 
on  purpose,  and  the  nature  of  the  several  stations  re 
quires  something  should  be  done  as  soon  as  possible. 

I  therefore  conclude,   and  submit  the  subject  to  the 
wisdom  of  your  house,  and  remain,  gentlemen, 
Your  very  humble  servant, 

GEORGE   TAYLOR. 
John  Covenhoven,  Esq.,  Member  of  the  Assembly  now 

setting  at  Princeton,  New  Jersey,  or,  in  his  absence, 

to  anv  other  member. 


From.  S.  Forman  to  Joseph  Holmes. 

November  21st,  1776. 

DEAR  SIR. — There  is  a  task  laid  upon  me  that  I 
don't  like. 

Col.  Taylor  refuses  taking  the  oath  required:  in  con 
sequence  thereof  the  officers  refuse  acting  under  him. 
They  request  me  to  take  the  command  the  next  month, 
which  begins  to-morrow.  '  Tis  quite  likely  Col.  Taylor 
has  orders  from  the  General  and  also  money  for  to 


20          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1776. 

supply  the  regiment  with  provisions.  Before  I  can  go 
I  must  have  orders  and  money  to  supply  a  commissary. 
You  see  the  immediate  necessity  for  orders  being  sent, 
or  our  guards  on  the  shore  may  be  suffering  for  pro 
visions,  and  in  the  greatest  confusion. 

I  am,  S.  FORMAN. 

To  Joseph  Holmes,  Esq.,  at  Burlington. 

From  Colonel  DeHart  to  Governor  Livingston. 

[December,  1776,  original  without  date.] 

SIR, — I  am  thus  far  on  the  road  to  Pitts  Town,  ex 
pecting  to  have  met  the  Assembly  and  Council  there, 
but  am  informed  by  Mr.  Mehelm  that  you  have  ad 
journed  to  a  place  near  Philadelphia.  My  business 
with  them  is,  to  ascertain  what  price  I  may  venture  to 
give  for  arms  to  arm  the  regiment  I  belong  to.  Another 
thing  I  would  most  earnestly  request.  That  such  war 
rant  appointments  as  remain,  or  have  happened  in  our 
regiment,  may  not  be  filled  up  by  the  state,  as  Colonel 
Ogden  and  myself  have  already  begun,  and  made  con 
siderable  progress  in  the  recruiting  service.  In  order  to 
do  this,  we  have  filled  the  vacancies  already  with 
officers,  who  have  recruited  a  considerable  number  of 
men,  and  should  this  not  be  attended  to,  it  will  finally 
ruin  the  regiment  in  the  recruiting  service.  This  I 
could  by  no  means  have  thought  to  be  an  intrusion 
upon  any  prerogative,  as  your  Excellency  may  remem 
ber  that  I  applied  to  you  to  do  it,  or  to  call  upon  a  com 
mittee  of  Council  so  to  do,  and  your  Excellency  could 
afford  no  expedient  for  that  necessity.  I  applied  to 


1776.]       EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.       21 

General  Washington,  who  directed  the  mode  we  have 
taken.  I  shall  soon  return  to  Morristown,  as  my 
presence  and  assistance  are  very  necessary  there  for 
recruiting,  and  notwithstanding  the  many  unmerited 
neglects  our  regiment  has  received,  I  shall  exert  myself 
to  fill  it.  The  above  I  request  you  to  communicate  to 
Council  and  Assembly,  and 

I  am  your  most  obedient  servant, 

WILLIAM  DEHART. 


From  the  President  of  the  Continental  Congress  to 
Governor  Livingston. 

Baltimore,  December  30th,  1776. 

SIR, — Ever  attentive  to  the  security  of  civil  liber 
ty,  Congress  would  not  have  consented  to  the  vest 
ing  of  such  powers  in  the  military  department  as  those 
which  the  inclosed  resolves  convey  to  the  continen 
tal  Commander-in- Chief,  if  the  situation  of  publick 
affairs  did  not  require  at  this  crisis  a  decision  and  vigour 
which  distance  and  numbers  deny  to  assemblies  far  re 
moved  from  each  other  and  from  the  immediate  seat  of 
war. 

The  strength  and  progress  of  the  enemy,  joined  to 
prospects  of  considerable  reinforcements,  have  rendered 
it  not  only  necessary  that  the  American  forces  should 
be  augmented  beyond  what  Congress  had  heretofore 
designed,  but  that  they  should  be  brought  into  the  field 
with  all  possible  expedition.  These  considerations 
induce  Congress  to  request  in  the  most  earnest  manner 


CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1776. 

that  the  fullest  influence  of  your  state  may  be  exerted 
to  aid  such  levies  as  the  General  shall  direct  in  conse 
quence  of  the  powers  now  given  him,  and  that  your 
quota  of  battalions  formerly  fixed  may  be  completed 
and  ordered  to  head  quarters  with  all  the  despatch  that 
an  ardent  desire  to  secure  the  publick  happiness  can 
direct. 

I   have   the  honor   to  be,   with   every  sentiment  of 
esteem,  Sir,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 
To  His  Excellency,  Governor  Livingston. 


Prom  Col.  Spencer  to  Stephen  Crane  of  the  Assembly. 

Elizabethtown,  January  28th,  1777. 

DEAR  SIR, — I  was  in  hopes  to  have  had  the  pleasure 
of  visiting  your  honorable  House  of  Assembly,  but  my 
time  is  so  taken  up  in  completing  the  three  months' 
battalion  and  that  of  raising  a  battalion  during  the 
war,  that  it  is  not  possible  for  me  to  be  so  long  absent, 
— therefore  must  give  up  the  matter  at  present.  I  send 
inclosed  a  list  of  what  commissions  may  be  wanted  in 
the  battallion  I  am  now  in.  You'll  please  present  the 
matter  and  let  them  be  forwarded. 

With  best  compliments  to  His  Excellency,  Governor 
Livingston  and  the  gentlemen  of  the  House,  I  am  your 
most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

OLIVER  SPENCER. 
The  Hon.  Stephen  Crane,  Esq. 


1777.]     EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.     23 

List  of  Commissions  wanted — 1  Colonel,  1  Lieut. 
Col.,  2  Captains,  4  first  Lieuts.,  3  second  do.  8  Ensigns. 

N.  B.  As  I  have  not  got  the  names  of  the  whole, 
don't  insert  any  of  them,  as  the  commissions  can  be 
easily  filled  here. 

OLIVER  SPENCER, 

From  General  Washington  to  the  Legislature  of  New 

Jersey. 

Head  Quarters,  Morristown,  January  31st,  1777. 

The  great  countenance  and  protection  shewn  and 
given  to  deserters,  by  persons  in  the  different  neighbor 
hoods  from  whence  they  originally  came,  has  made  that 
vice  so  prevalent  in  the  army  that  unless  some  very 
effectual  measures  are  fallen  upon  to  prevent  it,  our 
new  army  will  scarcely  be  raised  before  it  will  again 
dwindle  and  waste  away,  from  that  cause  alone. 

I  know  of  no  remedy  so  effectual  as  for  the  different 
states,  immediately,  to  pass  laws  laying  a  very  severe 
penalty  upon  those  who  harbour  or  fail  to  give  informa 
tion  against  deserters,  knowing  them  to  be  such,  and 
strictly  enjoining  all  Justices  of  the  Peace  and  officers 
of  the  militia  to  keep  a  watchful  eye  over  and  appre 
hend  all  such  persons  as  shall  return  from  the  army 
without  a  discharge. 

In  order  that  this  most  salutary  measure  may  be 
carried  speedily  into  execution,  I  have  not  only  desired 
Congress  to  recommend  it  to  the  different  States,  but 
have  myself  wrote  circular  letters  to  them  all,  pressing 
their  compliance  with  my  request.  Desertion  must 


24    CORRESPONDENCE  OF  THE  NEW  JERSEY    [1777. 

cease,  of  course,  when  the  offenders  find  they  have  no 
shelter. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  gentlemen,  your  most  obedi 
ent  servant,  G°  WASHINGTON. 
To  the  Hon.  the  Representatives  of  the  State  of  New 

Jersey. 

From   Colonel  Chambers  to  the  Speaker  of  the 
Assembly. 

Raritan,  February  5th,  1777. 

SIR, — I  have  consulted  my  officers,  and  in  conse 
quence  of  which,  I  do  request  you  will  recommend  to 
his    Excellency,    Governor    Livingston,    the    following 
persons  to  be  Field  Officers  in  my  Battalion,  viz. : 
Major  Cornelius  Stout,  for  Lieutenant-Colonel. 
David  Bishop,  Adjutant,  for  First  Major. 
Captain  David  Jones,  for  Second  Major. 
John  Schanck,  for  Adjutant. 

You  will  please  to  urge  the  necessity  for  those  Offi 
cers,  and  beg  they  may  be  immediately  commissioned. 
Colonel  Lowrey  being   appointed  Commissary   for 
this  state,  declines  acting  as  Lieutenant-Colonel. 
I  am,  sir,  your  very  obedient  and  humble  servant, 
DAVID  CHAMBERS,  Colonel. 
To  John  Hart,  Esq.,  Speaker  of  Assembly. 

From  Jonathan  D.  Sergeant  to  the  Speaker  of  the 
Assembly. 

Baltimore,  February  6th,  1777. 

DEAR  SIR, — Pursuant    to    the   appointment   of  the 
Legislature  of  New  Jersey,  I  have  attended  the  Con- 


1777.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  25 

gress,  as  one  of  the  Delegates,  from  their  first  sitting  at 
Baltimore  to  this  time.  As,  during  this  period  public 
affairs  have  taken  a  much  happier  turn,  and  my  own 
private  circumstances  have  assumed  rather  a  melan 
choly  complexion,  I  hope  your  honorable  body  will 
excuse  my  wishing  to  retire  to  the  management  of  my 
private  concerns. 

The  loss  of  my  house,  by  fire,  is  the  least  part  of  my 
misfortunes,  as  my  attention  to  politics  during  those  un 
happy  times  has  at  once  superseded  my  business  and 
prevented  the  collecting  my  accounts  till  the  greater 
part  of  my  debtors,  it  is  to  be  feared,  are  either  ruined 
or  not  to  be  found.  For  these  reasons  I  find  it  neces 
sary  to  apply  myself  to  some  business  for  the  support  of 
my  family.  My  attendance  in  Congress  must  be  a  bar 
in  the  way  of  all  such  attempts,  and  I  must,  therefore, 
beg  that  some  other  person  may  be  appointed  in  my 
place.  I  shall,  however,  attend  till  a  person  can  be 
appointed  to  succeed  me. 

I  am  your  most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

JONA.  D.  SERGEANT. 
Hon'ble  J.  Hart,  Speaker,  &c. 

From  Abraham  Clark  to  the  Speaker  of  the  Assembly, 

Baltimore,  February  8th,  1777. 

DEAR  SIR, — I  lately  heard  the  Assembly  of  New 
Jersey  had  met,  but  cannot  learn  where,  and  am  there 
fore  unable  to  give  a  proper  direction.  The  four  New 
England  Colonies  have  had  a  meeting  of  committees 


26  CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1777- 

from  their  Legislatures  to  consult  upon  measures  for 
their  mutual  defence,  and  for  regulating  trade  and  com 
merce.  Their  proceedings  are  before  Congress,  and  I 
expect  will  soon  obtain  their  approbation ;  and  recom 
mendation  will  therefore  be  sent  to  New  York,  New 
Jersey,  Pennsylvania  and  Maryland,  to  appoint  com 
mittees  to  meet  at  Philadelphia  for  the  purpose  of 
regulating  the  prices  of  all  articles  of  trade,  £c.  The 
southern  states  will  also  be  desired  to  meet  for  that 
puipose.  These  matters,  if  passed,  you  will  soon  have 
notice  of. 

I  am  much  alarmed  with  General  Washington's 
proclamation  of  the  25th  ol  January.  He  has  as 
sumed  the  legislative  and  executive  powers  of  govern 
ment  in  all  the  states.  I  moved  Congress  to  pass  a 
resolution  I  introduced  for  preventing  its  fatal  conse 
quences,  and  the  establishing  such  a  precedent.  My 
motion  was  committed,  and  is  now  before  the  com 
mittee.  I  hope  our  Legislatures  will  take  proper 
notice  of  it,  whatever  issue  it  may  have  in  Congress, 
and  not  tamely  submit  their  authority  to  the  control  of 
a  power  unknown  in  our  constitution.  We  set  out  to 
oppose  tyranny  in  all  its  strides,  and  I  hope  we  shall 
persevere. 

A  regulation  for  providing  carriages  for  the  army, 
and  to  prevent  as  much  as  possible  the  custom  of  im 
pressing,  has  long  been  before  a  Congress  committee, 
and  has  been  recommitted,  and  so  it  remains.  I  wrish 
you  wrould  not  delay  passing  a  law  for  regulating  im 
presses  of  this  kind.  The  devastations  of  New  Jersey 


1777.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM   1776  TO  1786.  27 

by  the  enemy  will,  I  think,  make  it  necessary  to  prevent 
cattle  running  at  large,  as  fences  on  the  main  road  are 
wantonly  destroyed,  and  cannot  soon  be  made.  I  think, 
too,  that  no  person  ought  so  be  compelled  to  fence 
against  street  cattle  at  any  time. 

Mr.  Sergeant  talks  of  resigning,  and  Mr.  Stockton, 
by  his  late  procedure,  cannot  act.  I  wish  their  places 
may  be  supplied  by  such  as  will  be  reputable  to  New 
Jersey,  not  only  by  their  integrity  but  abilities. 

The  tories  in  the  two  lower  counties  of  Maryland, 
and  on  the  eastern  shore  of  Delaware,  are  very  trouble 
some,  and  collecting  forces,  aided  by  several  men  oi 
war  in  Delaware,  but  more  especially  in  Chesapeake 
Bay.  The  militia  and  two  Continental  regiments  are 
marching  against  them. 

I  expect  Congress  will  soon  remove  from  hence  to 
Lancaster,  though  it  is  not  yet  determined.  If  that 
should  happen,  I  shall  be  greatly  perplexed  with  the 
chests.  Our  chief  reason  for  removing  is  the  extrava- 

o 

gant  price  of  living  here.  The  price  of  board,  without 
any  liquor,  a  dollar  a  day,  horse  keeping  4s.,  wine  12s. 
per  bottle,  rum  30s.  per  gallon,  and  every  thing  else  in 
proportion,  and  likely  soon  to  rise. 

I  am,  dear  sir,  with  great  regard,  your  obedient  and 
humble  servant  ABRAHAM  CLARK. 

John  Hart,  Esq.,  Speaker  of  Assembly  of  New  Jersey. 


28          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY          [1777. 

From  James  Sullivan  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Boston,  February  9th,  1777. 

gIRj — As  chairman  of  a  committee  of  the  House  of 
Representatives  of  this  state,  for  this  purpose  especially 
appointed,  I  enclose  you  a  copy  of  an  act  lately  passed 
by  this  government,  for  regulating  the  price  of  the  arti 
cles  therein  enumerated,  and  which  may  from  their 
nature  and  use,  and  from  the  present  situation  of  the 
country,  come  under  the  denomination  of  the  necessa 
ries  of  life. 

The  want  of  a  sufficient  medium  in  silver  and  gold 
to  support  the  present  war,  necessarily  procured  the 
emission  of  bills  of  public  credit,  and  in  proportion  to 
these  emissions  the  public  debt  must  be  increased.  It 
therefore  became  a  measure  of  the  last  importance  to 
lessen  the  very  extravagant  price  to  which  these 
articles  had  arisen,  and  without  it  the  wages  of  the 
soldiers  would  have  been  insufficient  to  support  his  per 
son  and  family.  Had  not  the  very  weighty  and  impor 
tant  business  which  so  constantly  demands  the  attention 
of  the  honorable  Congress  prevented  it,  their  making 
these  regulations  would  have  given  the  measure,  even 
here,  a  more  extensive  and  salutary  influence  than  can 
be  expected  from  what  the  northern  states  have  done. 
That  the  prices  of  those  necessaries  might  throughout 
those  states  be  as  uniform  as  the  situation  and  custom 
of  each  state  can  admit  of,  and  the  particular  situation 
of  Congress  and  the  army  being  such  as  prevented  our 
making  application  to  that  honorable  Assembly  upon 


1777.]    EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.      29 

this  subiect,  a  committee  from  their  several  Assemblies 
met  at  Providence,  and  drew  the  outlines  which  were 
generally  adopted  by  these  Assemblies  ;  and  it  is  the 
ardent  desire  of  Massachusetts  that  some  such  regula 
tion  may  be  speedily  embraced  by  all  the  American 
states. 

I  am  also  directed  to  enclose  you  a  copy  of  a  reso- 
tion  recently  passed  by  the  General  Assembly  here,  for 
preventing  the  exportation  of  the  several  articles  therein 
mentioned;  and  am  authorised  to  assure  you  that  this 
measure  did  not  in  the  least  proceed  from  any  abate 
ment  in  that  sincere  affection  which  we  have  for  our 
sister  states,  but  from  an  earnest  desire  to  feed  and 
clothe  that  army  upon  whom  the  salvation  of  America 
so  materially  depends. 

Had  we  not  taken  this  step,  the  few  evil-minded 
and  designing  persons  yet  in  America,  who  leave  no 
measure  untried  to  ruin  us,  together  with  those  who, 
regardless  of  their  country's  weal,  are  seeking  their  own 
emolument  only,  would  have  monopolized  near  all  the 
goods  which  we  have,  and  which  we  design  for  the  use 
of  the  army. 

This  embargo  was  rendered  in  some  measure  neces 
sary  by  the  Regulation  Act,  or  rather  by  our  sister  states 
not  coming  into  similar  measures,  for  all  our  goods 
would  soon  have  been  either  concealed  from  the  use  of 
the  army,  or  have  been  carried  to  those  places  where 
an  exorbitant  price  could  be  obtained  for  them.  But 
we  hope  soon  to  see  the  army  so  well  clothed,  and 
such  regulations  in  trade  take  place  in  all  the  United 


30  CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1777. 

States,  as  will  enable  us  to  repeal  this  resolution :  which 
we  shall  do  in  such  case  with  the  greatest  cheerfulness. 
I  am,  sir,  with  the   greatest  respect,  your  most  obe 
dient  and  humble  servant. 

JAS.  SULLIVAN. 
Hon.  William  Livingston,  Esq.,  Governor. 


From  General  Dickinson  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Head -Quarters  on  Raritan,  Feb.  12,  1777. 

SIR, — I  wrote  your  Excellency  some  time  ago,  and 
then  reminded  you  of  our  conversation  at  Morristown. 
Although  my  private  affairs  demanded  my  immediate 
attention,  yet  much  was  due  to  the  public ;  and  I  could 
not  think  of  absenting  myself  from  the  station,  in 
which  the  late  honorable  convention  of  this  state  had 
placed  me,  without  giving  timely  notice,  especially  as  it 
was  a  time  of  great  danger.  The  situation  of  my 
family  and  affairs  require  my  utmost  care  and  attention. 
Mrs.  Dickinson  has  been  long  confined  to  the  house, 
and  by  a  letter  just  received  is  now  confined  to  her 
room ;  my  family  and  effects  dispersed  through  three 
states,  iny  loss  has  already  been  very  considerable,  and 
without  my  attention  will  be  greatly  increased.  I 
joined  his  excellency  Gen.  Washington  the  25th  Nov. 
last,  since  which  time  have  not  spent  a  single  hour  in 
looking  after  my  property  in  this  state,  which  now 
suffers  exceedingly,  The  situation  ol  my  larm  is  in 
so  public  a  part  of  this  state, —  1  have  so  sensibly  felt 
inconvenience  attending  the  same,  that  Mrs.  Dickinson 
chooses  to  remove  to  some  more  distant  and  secure  part 


1777.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.        31 

of  the  country  in  a  neighboring  state,  which  I  am  de 
termined  to  comply  with,  as  soon  as  I  am  released 
with  honour.  I  have  a  place  to  purchase,  and  then  to 
remove  my  family  and  effects,  which  will  take  up  a 
considerable  time,  and  the  season  is  advancing  fast.  I 
therefore  request  your  excellency  will  be  pleased,  with 
out  fail,  after  the  timely  notice  I  have  given  you,  to 
release  me  by  the  appointment  of  another  general  by 
the  first  of  March  next,  as  my  situation  is  such,  that  I 
cannot  remain  longer  without  the  greatest  injury  to  my 
family.  The  gentleman  whom  you  honor  with  the 
appointment,  will  be  pleased  to  call  upon  me  at  my 
quarters  the  beginning  of  March.  If  my  conduct  has 
met  with  the  approbation  of  your  excellency,  and  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  State,  it  will  be  to  me  a 
source  of  great  pleasure. 

Your  excellency's  most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 
PHILEMON  DICKINSON. 

His  excellency.  Gov.  Livingston. 


From  Col.  Shrieve  to  Governor  Liringston. 

Princeton,  March  17,  1777. 

SIR, — I  have  been  repeatedly  applied  to  by  the  state 
officers  of  my  regiment  for  their  commissions,  and  have 
been  informed,  that  they  are  to  be  given  by  the  Hon. 
John  Hancock,  on  your  excellency's  certificate  that 
they  have  been  duly  appointed.  My  quarter-master  is 
going  to  Philadelphia  on  business.  If  your  excellency 
will  please  to  give  him  such  certificate,  he  will  call  for 


32          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1777. 

the  commissions.  Charles  Uxford  was  first  appointed 
quarter-master,  but  I  have  not  seen  or  heard  from  him 
since  his  appointment ;  I  supposed  he  declined  serving. 
After  my  arrival  at  this  place,  the  necessity  of  such  a 
useful  officer  obliged  me  to  apply  to  the  General  to  ap 
point  one  in  orders,  when  Benjamin  Osman,  a  very 
proper  person,  was  appointed.  The  officers  of  the 
regiment,  together  with  myself,  pray  he  may  be  con 
tinued  by  the  honorable  Council,  now  sitting  at  Bor- 
dentown. 

I  am  your  excellency's  most  obedient  and   humble 
servant, 

ISRAEL  SHRIEVE. 
To  his  excellency,  Governor  Livingston. 
The  staff  officers  of  my  regiment  are 

Luther  Halsey,  Adjutant. 

Benjamin  Osman,  quarter-master. 

William  Shute,  Paymaster. 

Lewis  Howell,  Surgeon. 


From  Governor  Livingston    to  the    Vice  President  of 
the  Council  of  Safety  of  Pennsylvania. 

Haddonfield,  March  18th,  1777. 

SIR, — Captain  Walton  will  wait  on  the  Committee  of 
Safety  with  one  Borden  and  his  son,  boatmen,  and 
four  other  prisoners,  Scotchmen,  lately  bound  from  Phila 
delphia  to  New  York,  and  taken  on  that  account  at 
Squam  Beach.  The  boatman  denies  his  being  privy  to 


1777.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  33 

the  designs  of  the  passengers  of  going  to  New  York. 
He  has  however  contradicted  himself  in  his  relation  to 
Col.  Randolph,  to  whom  he  declared  that  he  left  Phila 
delphia  without  passengers,  and  has  while  here,  express 
ed  himself  to  the  guard  in  a  very  violent  manner  against 
the  Congress.  The  passengers  confess  their  design  of 
going  to  New  York,  if  they  could  have  prevailed  upon 
the  boatmen  to  carry  them,  and  there  to  have  embarked 
for  Scotland  ;  justifying  themselves  in  the  measure  under 
General  Washington's  Proclamation,  though  it  has  no 
reference  to  people  in  their  situation,  and  if  it  had,  they 
were  under  no  necessity  of  going  in  so  clandestine  a 
manner.  They  being  inhabitants  of  your  state,  I  send 
them  to  you  for  further  examination  by  advice  of  our 
Council  of  Safety.  The  said  boatman  has  been  employ 
ed  in  rigging  your  galleys,  and  has  been  for  25  years 
acquainted  with  your  river,  and  had  been  employed  in 
New  York  in  sinking  the  "  Chevauxde  Prise" 
Sir,  I  am  your  humble  servant, 

WILL.  LIVINGSTON. 
Hon'l  DAVID  RITTENHOUSE,  Vice  President,  &c. 


From  Colonel  Bull  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Waterfield,  March  27th,  1777. 

SIR, — Yours  to  David  Rittenhouse,  Esq.,  was  receiv 
ed  wherein  you  recommend  Col.  Willman,  and  desire  to 
know  the  terms  : — which  to  laborers  is  4s.  Gd.  per  day 
with  diet — every  man  to  bring  his  own  blanket.  Sol 
diers  or  militia  in  continental  service  receive  one  shilling 

3 


34     CORRESPONDENCE  OF  THE  NEW  JERSEY    [1777. 

per  day  with  an  allowance  of  rum  over  and  above  their 
monthly  pay.     I  have   now    at  Billingsport  about  200 
workmen,  chiefly  soldiers.     I  remain  your  excellency's 
Obedient  and  humble  servant, 

JNO.  BULL,  Colonel. 
His  Excellency,  Gov'r  LIVINGSTON. 

From  James    Wilson  to   Governor  Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  March  28,  1777. 

SIR, — There  is  great  reason  to  believe  that  a  certain 
John  Curlis  of  Shrewsbury  in  New  Jersey  was  con 
cerned  in  taking  at  Bristol  the  packet  from  General 
Washington  to  Congress.  I  was  one  of  the  Com 
mittee  appointed  to  enquire  into  that  matter ;  and  in 
that  character  think  it  my  duty  to  write  to  you  upon 
the  subject,  that  Mr.  Curlis  may  be  apprehended  and 
examined. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  much  esteem,  sir,  your 
very  humble  servant, 

JAMES  WILSON. 
His  Excellency,  Win.  Livingston. 


Minutes  of  the    Commissioner*  appointed  to   regulate 

Prices. 

York  Town,  Wednesday  Morning,  March  26th,  1777. 

The  commissioners  appointed  by  the  states  of  New 
York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  Maryland 
and  Virginia  for  the  purpose  of  considering  of  and 
forming  a  system  of  regulation  adapted  to  those  states 


1777.]    EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.      35 

to  regulate  the  price  of  labor,  of  manufactures  and  of 
internal  produce  within  these  states  and  of  goods  im 
ported  from  foreign  parts,  except  military  stores,  to  be 
laid  before  the  respective  Legislatures  of  each  state  for 
their  approbation,  met  at  the  house  of  Mr.  William 
White.  Present 

John  Sloss  Hobart,  Col.  Robert  Van   Rennselaer,  of 

New  York. 

Theophilus  Elmer,  Joseph  Holmes,  of  New  Jersey. 
George  Henry,  Bartram  Galbreath,  John   Whitehill, 
Richard     Thomas,     David     McConaughy,    of 
Pennsylvania. 
General    Caesar  Rodney,  Lt.  Col.  Thomas  Collins, 

Col.  James  Lattemore,  of  Delaware. 
Norman  Bruce,  John  Braceo,  Henry  Griffith,  Joseph 

Sim,  of  Maryland. 
Lewis  Burwell.  Thomas  Adams,  of  Virginia. 

THOMAS  ANNOR,  Clerk. 

The  several  commissioners  produced  their  creden 
tials,  which  were  read,  approved  and  filed.  The 
resolve  of  Congress  recommending;  to  the  several 

o  o 

Legislatures,  or,  in  their  recess,  to  the  Executive  power 
of  the  states  of  New  York,  &c.,  to  appoint  commission 
ers  to  meet  at  York  Town  in  Pennsylvania  on  the  third 
Monday  of  March  instant,  to  consider  of  and  form  a 
system  of  regulation  adapted  to  those  states,  to  be  laid 
before  the  respective  Legislatures  of  each  state  for  their 
approbation,  \vas  read  and  filed. 
Adjourned  to  3  o'clock,  afternoon. 


36        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY          [1777. 

The  commissioners  met  Wednesday  afternoon  at 
3  o'clock,  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present,  Lewis  Burwell,  Chairman,  &c. 

Ordered  that  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Henry  and  Mr.  Adams 
be  a  committee  to  devise  ways  and  means  to  prevent  the 
mischiefs  arising  from  the  spirit  of  monopoly  so  preva 
lent  in  these  states. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  10  o'clock. 

Thursday  morning  10  o'clock,  March  27,  1777. 
The  commissioners  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present,  Lewis  Burwell,  Esq.,  Chairman,  &c. 
Adjourned  till  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

Thursday  afternoon  4  o'clock,  March  27,  1777. 

The  commissioners  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present,  Lewis  Burwell,  Esq.,  Chairman,  &c. 

The  committee  to  whom  it  was  referred  to  devise 
ways  and  means,  made  their  report,  which,  being  read, 
was  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table  for  consideration  till  to 
morrow  morning,  and  is  in  the  words  following  : 

Your  committee  to  whom  it  was  referred  to  devise 
ways  and  means  to  prevent  the  evils  arising  from  the 
spirit  of  monopoly  so  prevalent  at  present,  have  taken 
the  same  into  consideration  and  beg  leave  to  report  the 
following  resolves — 

Whereas  many  evil  minded  and  disaffected  persons 
have  engrossed  and  monopolized  large  quantities  of  the 
necessaries  of  life  in  order  to  enhance  the  price,  distress 
the  army,  and  discourage  the  good  people  of  these 
states  in  the  present  glorious  struggle  for  their  liberty, 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  several 


1777.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO   1786.  37 

Legislatures  of  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania, 
Delaware,  Maryland  and  Virginia  to  pass  laws  for  the 
purpose  of  fixing  the  prices  and  enforcing  the  sale  of 
such  necessary  articles  as  have  been  or  may  be  from 
time  to  time  engrossed,  and  which  shall  be  necessary 
for  the  use  of  the  army  or  the  consumption  of  the  in 
habitants. 

Resolved,  That  the  prices  of  the  following  articles 
that  shall  have  been  or  may  be  engrossed  or  monopo 
lized  as  aforesaid,  do  not  exceed,  in  any  or  either  of  the 
said  states,  the  rates  hereinafter  mentioned. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  further  recommended  to  the 
several  Legislatures  aforesaid  from  time  to  time  to  fix 
the  prices  and  enforce  the  sale  of  such  other  necessary 
articles  imported  from  foreign  parts  as  may  be  monopo 
lized  in  manner  aforesaid. 

Resolved,  That  no  person  ought  to  be  considered  as 
an  engrosser  or  monopolizer  who  shall  keep  an  open 
shop  for  the  purpose  of  selling  goods  by  retail,  and  who 
shall  make  no  distinction  in  the  price  between  gold  and 
silver  and  continental  bills,  or  the  bills  of  credit  of  the 
respective  state  where  the  sale  shall  happen. 

Adjourned  till  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Friday  morning  10  o'clock,  March  28,  1777. 
The  commissioners  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present,  Lewis  Burwell,  Esq.,  Chairman,  &c. 
The  report  was  read  and  debated. 
Adjourned  till  3  o'clock,  March  28,  1777. 

Friday  afternoon  3  o'clock,  March  28,  1777. 
The  commissioners  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 


38         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY  [1777. 

Present,  Lewis  Burwell,  Esq.,  Chairman.  &c. 

After  some  time  spent  in  the  consideration  of  the 
report,  ordered  that  the  further  consideration  thereof  be 
deferred  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Saturday  morning  10  o'clock,  March  29,  1777. 

The  commissioners  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present,  Lewis  Burwell,  Esq.,  Chairman,  &c. 

Ordered  that  the  report  be  recommitted,  and  that  Mr. 
Braceo,  Mr.  Collins  and  Mr.  Elmer  be  added  to  the 
committee,  and  that  they  be  instructed  to  prepare  a 
system  of  measures  for  remedying  the  evils  occasioned 
by  the  present  fluctuating  and  exorbitant  prices  of  labor, 
of  manufactures,  of  internal  produce,  and  of  goods  im 
ported  from  foreign  parts,  except  military  stores. 

Adjourned  till  10  o'clock  Monday  morning. 

Monday  morning,  10  o'clock,  March  31,  1777. 

The  commissioners  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present,  Lewis  Burwell,  Esq.,  Chairman,  £c. 

The  committee  made  their  report,  which,  being  read, 
was  ordered  to  lay  on  the  table  for  consideration,  and  is 
in  the  words  following — 

Your  committee  to  whom  \vas  recommitted  the  report 
of  a  plan  to  prevent  the  evils  arising  from  a  spirit  of 
monopoly  so  prevalent  at  present,  with  an  instruction 
to  prepare  a  system  of  measures  for  remedying  the 
evils  occasioned  by  the  present  fluctuating  and  exor 
bitant  prices  of  labor,  manufactures,  internal  produce, 
and  goods  imported  from  foreign  parts,  have  taken  the 
same  into  consideration,  and  are  of  opinion  that  the  pre- 


1776.]     EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.     39 

sent  fluctuating  and  exorbitant  prices  of  these  articles 
are  owing  to  the  following  causes. 

1st.  The  great  quantity  of  paper  currency  brought 
into  circulation  for  the  purpose  of  supporting  the  war  ; 
whereby  the  medium  greatly  exceeds  the  quantity  of 
transferable  property,  especially  in  those  states  in  the 
neighborhood  of  the  army,  and  is  therefore  so  far  forth 
decreased  in  its  value  to  those  who  have  no  further 
use  for  it  than  to  purchase  the  necessaries  and  con 
veniences  of  life. 

2d.  The  non-importation  agreement,  which  subsisted 
while  any  hope  remained  that  Great  Britain  would  do 
justice  to  the  colonies,  and  the  great  risk  attending  a 
foreign  commerce  since  the  declaration  of  war.  have 

o 

prevented  the  inhabitants  of  these  states  from  receiving 
the  usual  supplies  of  foreign  commodities  ;  which,  to 
gether  with  the  scarcity  of  raw  materials  and  imple 
ments  requisite  for  their  manufacturing  the  necessaries 
and  conveniencies  of  life  within  themselves,  have  re 
duced  the  quantity  on  hand  greatly  below  the  demand 
for  the  actual  consumption  of  the  country. 

Add  to  these,  that  a  number  of  disaffected  and  inim 
ical  persons  in  the  different  states,  who  eagerly  seize 
every  opportunity  of  perplexing  and  distressing  the 
good  people  in  their  present  glorious  struggle  for  every 
thing  that  ought  to  be  dear  to  freemen,  have  refused  to 
receive  the  continental  and  other  currencies  in  pay 
ments  ;  and  where  that  could  not  be  avoided,  have  by 
investing  their  monies  in  silver,  gold,  and  other  commo 
dities,  which  have  an  intrinsic  value,  and  by  giving 
high  and  exorbitant  prices  for  the  same,  led  the  way 


40  CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY          [1777. 

for  many  inconsiderate  persons  to  follow  so  pernicious 
an  example ;  whereby  the  spirit  of  monopoly  and  extor 
tion  has  increased,  great  quantities  of  the  necessaries 
and  conveniences  of  life  have  been  purchased  and  laid 
up,  by  some,  under  an  expectation  that  should  the  event 
of  the  war  prove  unfavorable  to  the  United  States,  pro 
perty  would  be  more  secure  in  those  articles  than  in 
paper  currency;  by  others,  with  a  view  to  the  rapid 
increase  of  their  fortunes  by  extorting  an  exorbitant 
advance  upon  the  prime  cost  of  their  goods  ;  which  has 
induced  the  manufacturer  to  withhold  his  commodities, 
and  the  laborer  his  service,  unless  they  could  obtain  a 
price  equally  extravagant.  For  the  remedy  of  which, 
and  to  prevent  the  like  evils  in  future,  your  committee 
are  of  opinion  that  a  general  and  permanent  system  of 
giving  stability  to,  and  preventing  extortion  in  the 
prices  of  labor,  of  manufactures,  and  of  internal  pro 
duce  within  the  United  States,  and  goods  imported 
from  foreign  parts  ought  to  be  adopted,  and  for  this  desi 
rable  purpose,  beg  leave  to  report  the  following  resolves. 

Resolved,  First,  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  seve 
ral  legislatures  of  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania, 
Delaware,  Maryland,  and  Virginia,  by  taxes  and  other 
wise,  according  to  the  abilities  of  their  respective  states, 
to  collect  as  much  as  possible  of  the  paper  currency 
already  emitted,  and  not  to  issue  the  same  again,  but  in 
cases  of  the  most  urgent  necessity.  [Disagreed  to.] 

Resolved,  Secondly,  that  it  be  recommended  to  the 
several  legislatures  aforesaid,  to  fix  the  prices  and  en 
force  the  sale  of  such  commodities  as  now  are  or  here 
after  shall  be  in  the  hands  of  such  persons  who  engross, 


1777.]       EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.      .  41 

monopolize  or  withhold  them  from  market ;  the  same 
being  necessary  for  the  use  ot  the  army  or  navy,  or 
the  consumption  of  the  inhabitants,  and  that  the  follow 
ing  articles,  which  may  be  so  engrossed,  monopolized, 
or  withheld  from  market,  be  sold  at  a  rate  not  exceeding 
the  prices  hereinafter  mentioned. 

Viz.  And  that  the  prices  of  all  other  articles  that  are 
or  may  be  engrossed,  monopolized,  or  withheld  from  the 
market,  as  aforesaid,  be  fixed  by  the  respective  legisla 
tures  in  such  manner  as  that  they  shall  bear  the  same 
proportion  to  those  already  enumerated,  which  they 
usually  did  before  the  commencement  of  the  present  war. 
And  whereas,  the  price  of  labor  and  of  manufactures 
ought  to  be  proportionate  to  each  other.  Resolved,  That 
it  be  recommended  to  the  legislatures  aforesaid  to  pass 
laws  for  the  purpose  of  fixing  and  settling  the  rates  and 
prices  hereinafter  enumerated  ;  viz :  And  further,  that 
the  manufactures  not  herein  enumerated,  be  rated  by 
the  respective  legislatures,  in  such  manner,  as  that  the 
prices  may  bear  the  same  proportion  to  the  price  of 
labor,  as  now  fixed,  that  they  did  before  the  commence 
ment  of  the  present  war. 

And  whereas,  the  practice  of  exposing  goods  and 
merchandize  to  sale,  by  way  of  public  vendue  has 
tended  to  increase  the  present  fluctuating  and  exorbi 
tant  prices  of  the  necessaries  and  conveniences  of  Life 
and  encourage  the  spirit  of  monopoly  :  Resolved,  That 
it  be  recommended  to  the  respective  legislatures  afore 
said,  to  pass  laws  for  restraining  such  practice  in  future, 
except  in  the  case  of  commodities,  which  shall  have 
been  condemned  in  a  Court  of  Admiralty,  or  taken  by 


42  CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1776. 

process  issuing  out  of  the  other  courts  of  law  ;  in  which 
cases  to  regulate  the  sale  by  providing  that  no  goods, 
wares  or  merchandize  be  sold  in  large  lots  ;  and  that 
no  lot  be  removed  from  the  warehouse,  in  which  it 
shall  be  stored,  under  the  care  and  direction  of  the 
proper  officer,  until  the  purchase  money  for  the  same  be 
first  paid  down. 

And  whereas,  the  most  speedy  and  effectual  measures 
ought  to  be  pursued  for  procuring  a  sufficient  supply  of 
those  commodities,  which  are  more  immediately  neces 
sary  for  the  use  of  the  army  and  navy,  and  the  con 
sumption  of  the  inhabitants. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  respective 
legislatures  aforesaid,  to  encourage  the  commerce  to 
foreign  parts,  by  establishing  public  assurance  offices  on 
the  account  of  the  respective  states ;  to  encourage  by 
premiums  and  otherwise,  for  a  limited  time,  the  import 
ation  of  medicines,  coarse  woolen  and  linen  cloths, 
coarse  hosiery,  felt  hats,  raw  hides,  tanned  leather,  men's 
common  shoes,  salt  and  wool,  cotton  and  tow  cords ;  to 
discourage  by  every  prudent  means  the  importation 
and  use  of  fine  woolen  and  linen  cloths,  and  all  kinds 
of  superfluities. 

To  prohibit  the  exportation  of  skins  and  furs  of  all 
kinds,  except  to  some  one  or  other  of  the  United  States; 
to  encourage  by  premiums  and  otherwise  the  increasing 
the  number  and  improving  the  breed  of  sheep ;  the 
raising  of  flax,  hemp,  and  cotton,  the  manufacturing  of 
woolen  and  linen  cloths,  and  the  erecting  of  slitting 
and  wire  mills  and  salt  works. 

Adjourned  to  3  o'clock,  afternoon. 


1777.]  EXECUTIVE   FROM   1776  TO   1786.  43 

Monday  afternoon,  3  o'clock;   March  31,  1777. 

The  commissioners  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present,  Lewis  Burwell,  Esq.,  Chairman,  &c., 

The  report  was  read  a  second  time  and  taken  into 
consideration  ;  after  some  time  spent  thereon, 

Resolved,  That  the  further  consideration  of  it  be 
deferred  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  10  o'clock. 

Tuesday  morning,  10  o'clock,  April  1,  1777. 

The  commissioners  met  pursuant  to  adjournment 

Present,  Lewis  Burwell,  Esq.,  Chairman,  &c. 

The  consideration  of  the  report  was  resumed. 

A  motion  was  made  and  seconded,  that  the  report  be 
rejected,  and  the  question  being  put  it  was  received  in 
the  negative,  in  the  manner  following  :  viz  : 

For  the  affirmative,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  Mary- 
land. 

For  the  negative,  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Virginia. 

Adjourned  till  3  o'clock,  afternoon. 

Tuesday  afternoon,  3  o'clock. 
The  commissioners  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present,  Lewis  Burwell,  Esq.,  Chairman,  &c. 
Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

Wednesday  morning,  10  o'clock. 

The  commissioners  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present,  Lewis  Burwell,  Esq.,  Chairman,  &c. 

Mr.  Braceo  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Bruce, 


44          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1777. 

that  the  report  be  amended  as  follows :  In  the  third 
resolve  after  the  word  "labor"  leave  out  the  word  "and" 
and  after  the  word  "manufactures"  insert  the  words, 
internal  produce  within  those  states,  and  of  goods 
imported  from  foreign  parts,  except  military  stores  and 
coarse  woolens,  linens,  felt  hats,  coarse  hosiery,  and 
men's  common  shoes  for  the  use  of  the  army  only, 
implements  of  manufacture,  medicines,  raw  hides  and 
salt. 

For  the  question,  Delaware. 

Against  the  question,  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Penn 
sylvania,  Virginia.  Maryland  divided. 

Adjourned  till  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

Wednesday,  4  o'clock,  afternoon. 

The  commissioners  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present,  Lewis  Burw ell,  Esq.,  chairman,  &c. 

After  some  time  spent  in  the  consideration  of  the 
report,  the  commissioners  came  to  the  following  resolu 
tion,  viz  :  Whereas,  it  appears  in  the  course  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  board,  that  there  is  a  great  dissimi 
larity  of  sentiment  among  the  commissioners,  about  the 
measures  to  be  adopted  for  remedying  the  evils  occa 
sioned  by  the  fluctuating  and  exorbitant  prices  of  labor, 
manufactures,  and  internal  produce  within  these  states, 
and  of  goods  imported  from  foreign  parts,  except  mili 
tary  stores :  some  conceiving  themselves  restricted  by 
the  resolves  of  Congress  and  the  instructions  received 
from  their  respective  legislatures,  from  entering  into  any 
regulations  but  such  as  shall  directly  limit  the  prices  of 


1777.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  45 

those  articles  : — while  others,  conceiving  that  such 
regulations  will  be  productive  of  the  most  fatal  conse 
quences  to  these  states,  are  for  adopting  measures  which 
in  their  opinion  will  in  their  operation  tend  to  counter 
act  the  causes  which  have  occasioned  the  evils  so  justly 
complained  of.  From  whence  it  is  evident  that  this 
Board  cannot  proceed  with  unanimity  in  establishing 
any  particular  system  of  measures  for  answering  the 
purpose  of  their  meeting : — Therefore,  Resolved  unan 
imously,  That  certified  copies  of  the  proceedings  of 
the  Board  be  transmitted  to  Congress,  and  to  the  res 
pective  legislatures  of  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Penn 
sylvania,  Delaware,  Maryland,  and  Virginia ;  and  that 
this  meeting  be  dissolved. 
A  true  copy. 

LEWIS  BURWELL,  Chairman. 
Signed  Thursday  evening, 

By  candle-light,  April  3,  1777. 


From  General  Heard  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Head-Quarters,  Raritan,  April  1st,  1777. 

SIR, — Inclosed  you  have  the  copy  of  a  letter  I 
received  from  Colonel  Beavers,  in  the  county  of  Hun- 
terdon,  by  which  you  will  see  what  a  bad  situation  the 
militia  of  that  battalion  are  in  on  account  of  the 
Captains  of  the  several  companies  refusing  to  do  their 
duty.  I  should  be  glad  of  your  directions  how  to  pro 
ceed  in  the  matter,  that  the  men  may  be  brought  here  ; 
they  being  very  much  wanted  at  present,  as  many  of 
the  militia's  times  expire  this  day. 


46  CORRESPONDENCE     OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1777. 

Likewise  should  be  glad  of  directions  to  know  what 
is  to  be  done  with  people  that  refuse  to  give  up  their 
protections,  as  I  have  now  a  man  under  confinement 
that  refuses  to  give  his  up.  The  militia  law  points  out 
no  mode  of  what  is  to  be  done  with  such  people. 

There  is  a  villain  apprehended  with  a  warrant  found 
with  him  to  enlist  men  for  the  British  army,  and  now  in 
confinement,  who  has  informed  me  there  are  many  per 
sons  out  now  upon  the  same  business,  chiefly  in  Sussex 
county,  the  names  of  which  you  will  find  on  the  back 
of  the  letter  enclosed,  and  beg  you  will  direct  such 
methods  for  the  apprehending  them  as  you  shall  think 
most  proper.  I  should  have  sent  after  them  myself,  but 
have  so  few  troops  now  here  thought  proper  not  to 
spare  them,  but  to  wait  your  directions. 

1  V.T»,  ^    N'nv  Vnn\vH  servant, 

NATHANIEL   HEARD 


Colonel  Beavers  to  General  Heard,  enclosed  in 
the  foregoing. 

March  29th,  1777. 

SIR, — This  is  the  second  time  the  other  field  officers 
and  myself  have  met  on  the  orders  you  have  sent  me, 
and  can  do  nothing,  as  three  of  the  Captains  of  this 
battalion  refuse  to  act ;  nor  have  they  warned  a  man  in 
their  companies  on  either  of  the  orders,  to  wit :  Captain 
Shenard,  Captain  Meddler  and  Captain  Cline.  I  am 
and  have  been  very  unwell  for  some  time  or  would 
have  waited  on  you  myself  with  pleasure,  for  your  direc- 


1777.]          EXECUTIVE   FROM   1776  TO  1786.  47 

tions  and  advice  on  this  important  occasion,  and  must 
beg  that  favor  by  the  bearer,  Major  Pettit.  who  can 
inform  you  of  our  whole  proceedings. 

I  have  the  honor,  sir,  to  subscribe  myself  your  hum 
ble  servant, 

JOS.  BEAVERS. 
To  General  Heard. 

A  list  of  the  persons'  names  now  enlisting  men  for 
the  British  army — 

Robert  Ellison,  (late  Squire)  in  Sussex. 
Peter  Anderson,  do. 

William  Hutchinson,  do. 

John  Ensley,  (Sergeant)  do. 

Hutchinson  is  soon  expected  at  Brunswick  with  his 
company. 


From  Charles  Pettit  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Burlington,  April  5th,  177"* 

DEAR  SIR, — You  are  already  informed  of  my  situa 
tion  respecting  the  residence  of  my  family.  I  am 
obliged  to  remove  them  from  the  house  they  now 
occupy,  and  have  no  other  provided  for  their  reception. 
I  have  already  taken  not  a  little  pains  to  procure  a 
house,  but  without  success,  and  it  is  an  object  of  so 
much  importance  to  me  that  I  must  still  pursue  it. 
Had  I  been  at  liberty  a  month  or  six  weeks  ago  to  give 
attention  to  this  business,  I  find  I  might  have  accom 
plished  it  with  much  less  difficulty.  This,  however, 
being  business  of  a  private  nature,  I  should  not  have 


48          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1777. 

troubled  your  Excellency  with  it,  but  by  way  of  apology 
for  what  follows.  The  Legislature  have  thought  fit  to 
vest  Mr.  Bowes  Reed,  Mr.  Joseph  Newbold  and  myself, 
or  either  of  us,  with  authority  to  move  the  records  now 
in  the  Secretary's  office,  in  case  of  alarm,  to  some  place 
of  safety.  How  soon  such  alarm  may  happen  is  very 
uncertain  ;  and  from  the  circumstances  I  have  men 
tioned  it  is  very  probable  that  when  the  hour  arrives,  I 
may  be  engaged  in  my  family  affairs,  probably  at  a  con 
siderable  distance  from  this  place,  that  I  cannot  give  it 
due  attendance.  I  am  also  apprehensive  that  if  it  be 
deferred  till  the  enemy  are  on  the  march  this  way,  it 
will  be  very  difficult  to  get  the  business  effected  : 
indeed,  even  now,  I  doubt  whether  teams  could  be  got 
in  this  neighborhood  to  engage  in  it  without  military 
authority.  Were  it  within  my  official  duty,  it  might 
be  said  that  my  private  concerns  should  give  place  to 
it.  But  as  it  is  altogether  extra-official,  I  am  persua 
ded  that  it  will  not  be  expected.  I  mean  not,  however, 
to  withdraw  myself  from  it  from  any  other  motive  than 
necessity,  and  I  am  persuaded  the  circumstances  of  my 
family  will  for  the  present  sufficiently  plead  my  excuse. 
If  I  can  get  them  settled  in  time,  I  will  turn  my  atten 
tion  to  this  business.  But  it  seems  to  me  that  if  it  be 
proper  to  move  the  records,  no  time  should  be  lost  in 
getting  about  it.  Were  I  to  attend  wholly  to  it,  I 
should  wish  to  have  the  advice  of  your  Excellency 
and  the  Council  of  Safety  as  to  the  place,  and  the  route 
by  which  they  are  to  be  taken,  and  I  conceive  it  is  my 
duty  to  lay  the  matter  thus  before  you.  It  is  indeed  a 


1777.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  49 

business  of  an  Executive  nature,  which  the  Board,  I 
believe,  might  have  undertaken  without  the  special 
act  for  the  purpose,  and  in  which  they  will  now, 
probably,  think  proper  to  give  their  aid,  especially  as 
coercive  power  may  be  necessary  in  the  doing  ol  it 
The  boxes  to  pack  the  books  and  papers  in  are  ready 
in  the  office.  From  the  present  very  uncertain  situa 
tion  of  our  affairs,  I  have  not  been  able  to  fix  any 
opinion  as  to  the  place  the  records  should  be  moved  to. 
Your  means  of  intelligence  are  so  much  better  than 
mine  that  you  can  determine  on  better  grounds.  I 
earnestly  wish  the  Board  would  be  pleased  to  give 
such  advice  and  direction  in  the  matter  as  they  think 
best.  Mr.  Newbold  lives  within  a  few  miles  of  Bor- 
dentown,  and  may  be  easily  consulted  with.  Mr, 
Reed  will  probably  be  at  hand  to  superintend  the 
packing  up.  Perhaps  the  necessary  wagons  may  be 
procured  at  Bordentown. 

I  am,   with  great  respect,  your  Excellency's  most 
obedient  and  humble  servant, 

CHAS.  PETTIT. 
His  Excellency,  Gov.  LIVINGSTON. 


From  Silas  Condict  to  Governor  Livingston 

Morristown,  April  7th,  1777. 

DEAR  SIR, — This  day  I  received  your  favor  of  the 
23d  ult,  wherein  you  acquaint  me  that  I  have  been 
appointed  one  of  the  Council  of  Safety.  I  am  much 
concerned  that  you  have  so  few  members  attending  at 

4 


50          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1777. 

this  critical  season,  and  although  it  is  extremely  difficult 
at  present  for  me  to  leave  home  (my  family  being  in 
oculated,  and  not  yet  through  the  small  pox,)  yet  I  will 
come  at  any  time,  rather  than  public  business  should 
suffer,  on  notice  given  me  that  it  is  necessary.  Col. 
DeHart  told  me  to-day  that  the  battalion  had  arranged 
its  officers,  and  only  wanted  an  opportunity  to  present 
it  for  commission.  The  Colonel  says  that  he  has  at 
Gen.  Washington's  request  examined  several  of  the 
prisoners  now  in  iail  here,  and  that  it  will  be  best  for 
the  Council  of  Safety  to  sit  in  this  county  soon  ;  and 
if  this  is  thought  proper,  I  think  it  will  be  best  to  sir 
either  at  Mendham,  or  at  Capt.  Dunn's  in  Roxberry, 
us  the  army  is  still  at  Morristown,  and  it  will  be  incon 
venient  to  sit  there. 

I  am,  with  great  respect,  your  most  obedient  and 
humble  servant, 

SILAS  CONDICT 
His  Excellency,  Gov.  LIVINGSTON. 

From    William  Smith  and  Benjamin  Rumsey,  to 
Governor  Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  April  8th,  1777. 

gIR? — Mr.  Campbell  being  a  gentleman  unknown  to 
us,  we  have  made  inquiry  into  his  character,  and  have 
the  pleasure  to  be  informed  that  there  was  a  gentleman 
of  that  name  of  a  good  and  fair  character  who  lived 
in  St.  Mary's  county,  in  Maryland,  married  there,  and 
had  children;  that  he  lost  his  wife  and  carried  his 


1777.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.        51 

children  to  Scotland  about  two  years  ago  to  be  educa 
ted.  That  he  is  in  the  possession  of  property,  and  has 
always  been  zealously  attached  to  the  liberties  of 
North  America,  having  stepped  forth  as  early  in  her 
cause  as  any  of  her  sons.  As  he  appears  to  be  the 
man,  we  are  of  the  opinion  that  he  may  be  released  by 
your  Excellency,  as  we  esteem  him  a  good  fello\v 
citizen,  a  thing  rare  in  his  countrymen  with  us,  and 
cannot  apprehend  the  least  danger  from  him. 

We  are  your  Excellency's  most  humble  servants, 

WM.  SMITH, 
BENJ.  RUMSEY. 
His  Excellency,  Gov.  LIVINGSTON. 


Examination  of  Jesse  Woodward. 

Allen  Town,  April  10th,  1777. 

The  examination  and  confession  of  Jesse  Wood 
ward. 

He  says  he  has  pressed  wagons,  and  disarmed  a 
certain  Arthur  Livingston,  and  took  John  Hendrick- 
son's  gun  out  of  his  wagon  on  the  road  near  Buckelow's 
for  the  use  of  the  British  army :  that  he  went  from  his 
house  about  the  last  of  December  1776,  into  the  Pines 
about  ten  miles  from  his  house,  and  lived  in  one  of  the 
cabins  for  about  a  week  at  a  time,  and  sometimes  went 
home  and  removed  to  a  cabin  on  Crosswick's  Creek 
above  Wall's  Mill,  where  he  has  lived  for  about  three 
or  four  weeks  past. 

He  has  seen  Thomas  Fowler  and  Nicholas  Williams 


52          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1777. 

since  his  going  to  the  last  mentioned  cabin,  and  says 
they  came  to  him  and  he  had  some  conversation  with 
them,  and  that  he  understood  from  his  children  they 
were  under  the  same  circumstances  that  he  was.  He 
says  he  had  no  authority  from  any  person  in  the  British 
or  Hessian  army  to  impress  horses  or  wagons,  but  that 
he  went  in  company  with  others  that  went  to  press 
wagons,  viz.  Anthony  Woodward,  commonly  called 
little  Anthony,  and  that  his  brother  Anthony  Wood 
ward,  commonly  called  black  Nat,  was  in  company 
with  them ;  he  says  he  has  left  his  gun  in  a  tree  in  the 
woods,  somewhere  between  his  former  cabin  and  the 
one  he  last  lived  in,  with  some  powder  and  shot. 

He  says  he  with  the  others  above  mentioned  was  at 
Jacob  Hendrickson's,  and  that  he  ordered  a  wagon  and 
two  horses  from  there ;  and  that  he  saw  Samuel  Wood 
ward  sometime  about  the  fall  of  the  last  snow  at  his 
house  ;  that  Fowler  and  Williams  were  with  him  the 
best  part  of  a  night ;  went  last  to  see  him  at  his  cabin, 
but  he  don't  recollect  the  day  of  the  week  or  how 
many  days  ago.  He  says  he  only  impressed  the 
wagon  for  the  British  army,  and  not  the  guns,  as  he 
says  he  intended  to  return  them  to  the  owners. 

Taken  before  me  the  day  and  date  above  written, 
and  in  the  presence  of  Col.  Brearley. 

FRAN'S  WADE,  at  Allen  Town. 


1777.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  53 

From  Francis  Wade  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Allen  Town,  April  10th,  1777. 

SIR, — I  was  handed  your  obliging  favor  of  the  9th 
instant,  last  night,  since  which  Lewis  Bastedo  and  the 
party  with  him  have  succeeded  so  far  as  to  secure  Jesse 
Woodward,  whom  I  have  examined,  and  have  now  en 
closed  his  confession  to  you  to  lay  before  the  honorable 
the  Council  of  Safety,  and  himself  a  prisoner  for  farther 
examination.  I  find  he  is  very  backward  in  giving  any 
information.  You'll  find  by  his  confession  and  Fowler's, 
that  they  differ  much  in  the  time  of  their  last  meeting 
and  talking  together ;  it  however  plainly  appears  that 
there  is  a  gang  of  them  living  among  the  pines  and  no 
doubt  in  readiness  to  shew  themselves  whenever  oppor 
tunity  offers.  I  therefore  think  it  a  duty  incumbent  on 
me  for  the  good  of  the  service,  to  continue  here  until  I 
represent  this  matter  to  his  Excellency,  General  Wash 
ington,  notwithstanding  I  have  his  letter,  if  my  private 
affairs  call  me  home  to  go. 

I  am  much  obliged  for  your  Excellency's,  and  the 
Honorable  the  Council's  approbation  of  my  conduct, 
and  hope  to  deserve  it  on  all  occasions  when  the  ser 
vice  of  my  country  calls  on  me. 

I  am,  very  respectfully,  sir,  your  most  obedient  and 
most  humble  servant, 

FRAN'S  WADE. 
To  His  Excellency,  Wm.  Livingston,  Esq.,  Governor 

of  New  Jersey. 

P.  S.  I  have  not  heard  farther  about  the  corps  of 
Williams.  I  am  of  opinion  it  is  agreeable  to  Gen'l 


54          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1777. 

Washington's  general  orders  that  Bastedo  should  have 
the  rifle  and  gun  taken  from  Fowler  and  Williams.  If 
you  and  the  honorable  Council  are  of  the  same  opinion 
shall  be  glad  to  know,  and  shall  act  accordingly.  You 
have,  inclosed,  a  note  left  by  Col.  Samuel  Forman. 
Ammunition  is  much  wanted,  if  any,  it  would  be  well 
to  send  some  by  the  party. 


From  General  Washington  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Head-Quarters,  Morristown,  April  16,  1777. 

SIR, — I  am  honored  with  yours  of  the  14th.  I  don't 
know  whether  Col.  Duyckink  comes  properly  under 
the  civil  or  military  jurisdiction,  but  from  the  following 
state  of  the  facts  on  which  I  ordered  him  to  be  secured, 
you  will  be  able  to  form  a  judgment ;  and  if  you  think 
he  falls  within  the  civil  line,  I  will  most  cheerfully  give 
him  up  to  you. 

Some  time  in  the  winter,  Col.  Duyckink  came  vol 
untarily  out  of  Brunswick,  and  surrendered  himself  to 
Genl.  Dickinson,  at  Millstone ;  said  he  had  seen  my 
proclamation,  and  had  come  to  take  the  benefit  of  it  ; 
that  he  had  been  ill-used  by  the  British  army,  and  that 
he  was  determined  to  remain  with  his  countrymen. 
Genl.  Dickinson  sent  him  up  to  me ;  he  told  me  the 
same  story,  and  I  permitted  him  to  go  at  large.  Some 
little  time  after  this,  he  applied  to  Lord  Stirling  for  lib 
erty  to  return  again  to  Brunswick,  who  not  being 
acquainted  with  the  circumstances,  granted  him  per 
mission  ;  but  before  he  went  Genl.  Dickinson,  luckily 
received  information  from  a  person  who  came  out  of 


1777.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  55 

Brunswick,  who  told  him  he  had  heard  Cortlandt 
Skinner  tell  Duyckink  "he  was  afraid  it  would  not  do, 
and  that  there  would  be  danger  in  the  experiment," 
meaning  his  going  out  under  pretence  of  becoming  a 
convert.  Upon  this  he  was  stopped  and  carried  before 
Genl.  Green,  who  asked  him  what  was  the  reason  of 
this  sndden  alteration  in  his  sentiments.  He  said  that 
he  could  not  in  conscience  take  the  oaths  to  the  state, 
as  he  had  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  king; 
that  the  people  in  the  country  threatened  his  life  ; 
and  that  he  thought  he  had  better  return  to  Brunswick. 
Genl.  Green  asked  him  if  he  had  not  considered  the  mat 
ter  of  taking  the  oaths  to  the  state  before  he  came  out, 
as  he  owned  he  had  seen  the  proclamation.  But  he 
gave  such  evasive  answers  that  it  convinced  us  that  he 
only  came  out  to  get  intelligence,  and  I  therefore  had 
him  apprehended  and  sent  to  Philadelphia,  where  he 
has  been  since  confined.  He  is  looked  upon  as  so  dan 
gerous  a  man  by  the  well  affected  in  this  part  of  the 
country,  that  I  believe  his  being  set  at  liberty,  and  suf 
fered  to  remain  in  the  country,  would  create  great 
uneasiness. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  sir,  your 
most  obedient  servant, 

GEO.  WASHINGTON 

His  excellency,  Gov.  LIVINGSTON. 


56          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1777- 

From  Francis  Hopkinson  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  Friday. 

DEAR  SIR, — The  enclosed  letter  is  from  a  Committee 
of  Congress,  requesting  that  you  would  cause  John 
Curlis  to  be  apprehended  and  examined. 

Mr.  Wilson  is  at  present  so  engaged  in  the  investiga 
tion  of  a  dangerous  plot,  (the  particulars  of  which  I 
have  wrote  to  Mrs.  Hopkinson,)  that  he  could  not  be 
so  explicit  as  he  could  wish,  and  therefore  requested  me 
to  inform  you  that  the  desire  of  the  Committee  is,  that 
you  would  be  so  good  as  to  have  this  Curlis  strictly 
examined,  and  if  you  find  sufficient  grounds  of  suspi 
cion,  or  any  direct  proof  against  him,  that  he  may  be 
forwarded  to  Philadelphia. 

The  Congress  have  it  much  at  heart  to  discover  by 
what  means  the  packet  of  Bristol  was  conveyed  to 
Lord  Howe,  and  to  have  the  traitors  brought  to  light. 
As  I  gave  you  all  the  particulars  of  this  affair  that  had 
come  to  my  knowledge,  there  is  no  occasion  to  repeat 
them  now.  Only  this  I  would  observe,  that  it  will  be 
necessary  for  you  to  have  the  evidence  of  Bassonet's 
bar-keeper  at  Bristol.  But  I  fear  Curlis  has  taken  such 
good  care  of  himself  that  he  will  save  you  and  us  any 
further  trouble. 

With  compliments  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Imley,  I  have  the 
honor  to  be 

Your  friend  and  humble  servant, 

FRAS  HOPKINSON. 


1777.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  57 

From  General  Putnam  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Princeton,  April  25th,  1777. 

DEAR  SIR, — Under  a  guard  I  send  you  Stephen  Flood. 
Jacob  Dancer,  John  Butler  Linch,  and  an  old  William 
Halfpenny,  who  have  been  taken  going  in  and  out  of 
Brunswick. 

Inclosed  is  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  Major  Scudder, 
by  which  you  will  see  what  Flood  is  accused  of,  and 
several  depositions  against  Dancer. 

Flood  was  sent  to  me  without  any  crime,  and  nothing 
(thus)  appearing  against  him,  I  gave  him  a  pass  to 
Philadelphia ;  and  afterwards  received  the  inclosed 
from  Major  Scudder.  I  sent  immediately  after  and 
secured  him. 

Elizabeth  Brewer,  whose  deposition  you  have  in 
closed,  was  taken  coming  out  of  Brunswick,  and 
brought  before  me.  She  gave  information  of  one  Lucas 
Voorhees,  likewise  of  Linch  and  Halfpenny,  whom  I 
now  send  you,  and  many  others  whom  I  have  sent  for, 
but  not  yet  secured. 

There  was  nothing  particular  appearing  against  Voor 
hees,  and  I  (of  consequence)  dismissed  him,  first  taking 
his  parole  not  to  communicate  any  intelligence  to  the  en 
emy  relative  to  the  situation  or  strength  of  the  American 
army ;  but  on  the  contrary  to  immediately  communicate 
all  the  intelligence  he  can  collect  of  the  movement  and 
intentions  of  the  British  army  to  some  of  the  officers  in 
the  continental  service.  The  above  Elizabeth  Brewer 
has  an  inclination  to  enter  the  hospital  as  a  nurse,  in 


58          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1777. 

which  employment  she  has  been  before  engaged  at 
this  place  ;  and  the  surgeon  giving  her  a  good  character, 
I  have  thought  proper  to  detain  her  here  for  that  pur 
pose. 

If  you  have  any  objections,  and  will  let  me  know,  I 
will  send  her  immediately  to  you. 

I   am,  sir,  with  utmost  respect,  your  most  obedient, 
humble  servant, 

ISRAEL  PUTNAM. 

His  excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


From  Rev.  A.  Me  Whorter  and  Elisha  Boudinot  to  Gov 
ernor  Livingston. 

Newark,  April  26,  1777. 

May  it  please  your  excellency : — The  unhappy  situa 
tion  of  this  town,  being  so  contiguous  to  the  enemy, 
who  threaten  us  daily  with  an  invasion,  renders  it 
absolutely  necessary  that  the  militia  of  this  place  should 
be  put  on  a  more  respectable  footing,  and  officered  with 
gentlemen  whose  tried  fidelity  in  a  time  of  distress 
entitles  them  to  the  confidence  of  their  country.  A 
number  of  the  inhabitants  have  agreed  to  recommend 
as  officers  the  persons  mentioned  in  the  enclosed  peti 
tion  to  your  excellency.  And  as  some  particular  reasons 
render  it  absolutely  necessary  that  no  time  should  be 
lost  in  having  proper  officers  appointed,  we  have  sent 
Mr.  Banks  as  an  express.  He  is  a  person  who  is  ca 
pable  of  giving  a  true  representation  of  the  state  of  the 
town,  and  who  may  be  depended  on.  If  your  excel- 


1777.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  59 

lency  and  the  council  should  approve  of  the  gentlemen 
recommended,  we  beg  Mr.  Banks  may  be  dispatched 
with  the  commissions  immediately. 

We   have  the   honor  to  be  your  excellency's  most 
ob't  and  h'ble  servants, 

A.  McWHORTER. 
ELISHA  BOUDINOT. 
Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


From  Major  Taylor  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Cranbury,  May  7, 1777. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency  : — By  a  letter  received 
from  Major-General  Putnam,  I  was  commanded  imme 
diately  to  apprehend  Peter  Overt,  Mr.  Lake  and  Fran 
cis  Letts,  living  near  Raritan  river,  in  the  county  of 
Middlesex,  and  send  them  to  your  excellency.  The 
general  informed  me  that  they  have  lately  been  trading 
with  the  enemies  of  our  country  with  potatoes  and 
some  other  articles.  They  carried  on  this  trade  by 
means  of  one  Halfpenny,  a  very  old  man,  and  an  in 
habitant  of  the  same  part  of  the  country  with  them 
selves.  There  have  been  many  complaints  brought 
against  those  men  this  winter  past;  but  not  sufficient 
evidence  appearing,  they  have  as  yet  been  unpunished. 
From  your  humble  servant, 

JOHN  TAYLOR, 
Commanding  officer  at  Cranbury. 
His  excellency,  WILLIAM  LIVINGSTON,  Esq., 
Governor  of  the  State  of  New  Jersey. 


60          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1777. 

From  Major  Taylor  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Cranbury,  May  15,  1777. 

May  it  please  your  excellency: — This  morning  sent 
on  under  guard  two  prisoners,  taken  by  a  party  from 
this  post,  within  one  mile  of  the  enemy's  lines,  going  to 
Brunswick  as  they  themselves  confess.  The  name  of 
the  one  is  Thomas  Woodburn  from  Crossnecks,  with 
whom  I  am  unacquainted,  but  his  neighbors  give  him  a 
very  bad  character.  The  other's  name  is  Thomas 
Williams,  who  is  also  a  stranger  to  me  :  he  says  that 
he  formerly  taught  an  English  school  in  different  parts 
of  the  country  :  he  came  from  New  York  four  weeks 
past,  and  was  now  endeavoring  to  return.  These  kind 
of  men  are  certainly  very  dangerous  to  the  state,  yet  it 
is  very  difficult  to  obtain  any  evidence  against  them, 
further  than  what  we  ourselves  do  observe.  If  I  can 
possibly  get  any  more  evidence  against  John  Brown, 
alias  Lee,  sent  to  Haddonfield  from  this  place,  I  will 
immediately  send  it  on  to  the  governor. 

From  your  very  humble  servant  at  command, 

JOHN  TAYLOR,  Major  2d  Battalion. 
To  his  Excellency,  WM.  LIVINGSTON. 


From  Colonel  Brearly  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Allentown,  May  19,  1777. 

SIR, — Your  excellency  will  have  delivered  herewith 
a  certain  Giles  Williams,  who  left  this  state  last  sum 
mer  with  Elisha  Laurener  and  others,  and  joined  the 


1777.]       EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.       61 

enemy  on  Staten  Island ;  he  has  for  some  time  past 
been  lurking  in  the  Pines  with  a  set  of  villains,  but 
was  very  luckily  taken  last  night  in  the  edge  of  the 
Pines,  by  Lieut.  Barton,  and  sent  up  to  this  place. 

I  am  your  excellency's  most  obedient  and  humble 
servant, 

DAVD  BREARLEY,  JUN. 
His  excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 

From  John  Cox  and  Elijah  Clark,  to  the  President  of 
the  Council  of  Safety. 

Forks  of  Little  Egg  Harbor,  June  12th,  r/77. 
SIR, — We  this  morning  received  information  from 
Capt.  Bradley,  at  the  Foxborough,  that  on  the  10th 
instant,  about  six  o'clock  in  the  evening,  a  brig 
appeared  off  Little  Egg  Harbor  Inlet,  and  made  a 
signal  for  a  Pilot,  on  which  Joseph  Sowey  with 
his  brother  and  two  boys  went  off  to  conduct  her 
into  port,  and  were  unluckily  taken  and  carried  off. 
Immediately  on  taking  them  on  board,  the  brig  pro 
ceeded  to  the  mouth  of  Great  Egg  Harbor  Inlet,  where 
she  again  threw  out  a  signal  for  a  pilot,  on  which  Mr. 
Golder,  a  noted  man  in  that  way,  went  off  with  his 
boat,  and  on  approaching  near  enough  to  discover  what 
she  was,  finding  her  to  be  a  vessel  of  force,  and  observ 
ing  her  to  hoist  out  her  boat  to  windward,  which  was 
managed  with  some  degree  of  precipitation,  he  immedi 
ately  put  about,  and  pushed  for  the  shore,  the  enemy's 
boat  pursuing  with  only  two  men  appearing,  and  on 


62         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY          [1777. 

coming  within  about  one  hundred  yards,  a  number  of 
men  instantly  showed  themselves,  and  fired  on  Golder 
and  crew,  who  with  some  difficulty  gained  the  shore, 
but  were  obliged  to  quit  their  boat,  which  fell  into  the 
hands  of  the  enemy.  As  Sowey  is  one  oi  our  best 
pilots,  and  well  acquainted  with  our  Inlet,  we  doubt 
not  he  will  be  made  use  of  by  the  enemy  to  bring  in 
their  tenders,  and  pilot  them  up  the  bay  and  river; 
which  may  be  productive  of  the  most  fatal  consequen 
ces,  the  inhabitants  being  in  the  most  helpless  condition 
and  having  a  great  number  of  cattle  and  other  property 
that  must  immediately  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  pirates, 
unless  some  spirited  steps  are  immediately  taken  to 
prevent  it  ;  and  being  desirous  of  doing  everything  in 
our  power  to  disappoint  them,  we  have  presumed  to 
take  from  Capt.  Shaler  eight  or  ten  pieces  of  cannon, 
belonging  to  a  sloop  of  his  lately  cast  away  on  the 
coast,  which  we  have  this  day  ordered  down  to  the 
Foxboroughs,  under  his  direction,  with  orders  immedi 
ately  to  throw  up  a  battery  to  defend  the  Inlet,  and  to 
annoy  the  enemy  as  much  as  possible,  should  they 
attempt  an  entrance. 

There  is  now  at  Foxboroughs  a  guard  of  about  20 
men,  and  Col.  Clark  will  immediately  order  down  as 
many  more,  to  assist  in  doing  the  necessary  work. 
Powder  and  provisions  for  the  people  will  be  immedi 
ately  wanted.  Shot  can  be  procured  here.  We  doubt 
not  the  hon'le  Council  will  think  it  expedient  to 
lose  no  time  in  giving  the  necessary  directions  for 
effecting  what  they  may  think  ought  to  be  done  on 
this  alarming  occasion. 


1777.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  63 

We    are,    with    great   respect,    your    most  ob't  and 
h'e  ser'ts,  JOHN  COX. 

ELIJAH  CLARK. 
The  Hon.  the  President  of  the  Council  of  Safety. 


From  the  President  of  the  Continental  Congress  to 
Governor  Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  June  12th,  1777. 

gIR9 — You  are  hereby  requested  to  order  out  forth 
with  five  hundred  of  the  militia  of  the  state  of  New 
Jersey,  to  assist  in  completing  the  works  now  erecting 
at  Billingsport  for  the  defence  of  the  river  Delaware, 
it  being  of  the  utmost  consequence  that  the  fortifica 
tions  at  that  place  should  be  completed  without  delay. 
By  order  of  Congress, 

JOHN  HANCOCK,  Prest. 
His  Excellency,  Gov.  LIVINGSTON. 


From  Judge  Morris  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Newtown,  June  14th,  1777. 

SIR, — Enclosed  your  Excellency  has  a  list  of  the 
convictions,  and  the  judgments  thereon,  at  this  very- 
tedious,  and  I  would  have  said,  premature  Court,  if  the 
Council  had  not  thought  expedient  on  mature  delibera 
tion  to  have  appointed  it.  I  had  the  pleasure  to  find 
Mr.  Justice  Symms  here  at  my  arrival,  and  confess  if 
I  had  supposed  the  Council  would  have  spared  him  for 
the  business,  I  wrould  not  have  travelled  post  over  the 


64     CORRESPONDENCE  OF  THE  NEW  JERSEY   [1777. 

mountains  through  the  rain  and  late  into  the  night  on 
so  very  short  a  notice. 

Judges  young  in  office,  and  not  appointed  for  their 
legal  erudition,  associates  but  reputable  farmers,  doctors 
or  shopkeepers,  young  officers,  no  council  nor  clerk,  for 
want  of  timely  notice,  which  was  not  even  given  to  the 
sheriff,  and  this  in  a  disaffected  country,  both  witnesses 
and  criminals  to  be  collected  from  all  parts  of  the  state. 
Thus  circumstanced  was  a  court  of  the  highest  expect 
ancy  ever  held  in  New  Jersey ;  a  court  for  trial  of  a 
number  of  state  criminals,  some  for  high  treason,  a 
crime  so  little  known  in  New  Jersey,  that  perhaps  the 
first  lawyer  in  it  would  not  know  how  to  enter  judg 
ment  under  our  constitution.  It  would  make  an  excel 
lent  paragraph  in  Gaine's  veritable  Mercury ;  no  other 
printer  would  venture  to  publish  it.  In  England  where 
treasons  and  rebellions  are  from  immemorial  usage, 
become  familiar  terms,  twelve  learned  judges  from  the 
first  courts  in  the  world,  the  members  of  privy  council, 
and  the  first  gentlemen  in  the  kingdom,  would  have 
been  sent  on  such  an  errand,  and  attended  by  old  and 
experienced  officers,  and  the  ablest  council  at  the  bar ; 
witnesses  prepared,  criminals  to  try,  and  seasonable 
notice  given.  But  there  the  law  is  systematically  ad 
ministered,  and  the  ministers -of  it  have  settled  forms  of 
practice,  under  an  old  constitution  well  understood. 
And  here  we  have  a  new  modelled  government,  incom 
plete  in  parts,  young  in  practice,  and  contingencies  un 
provided  for. 

Seriously,  sir,  with  due  submission  to  the  council,  I 


1777.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  65 

should  have  thought  that  for  a  court  of  such  conse 
quence,  the  members  of  the  council  and  some  of  the 
bar  ought  to  have   been    joined  in   the    commission 
and  requested  to  attend.     We  have  set  with  great  pa 
tience,  and  have  now  closed  the  third  week.     Had  it 
not  been   for  the  negligence  or  villainy  of  a  rascally 
gaoler,  in  suffering  John  Eddy,  the  only  person  indicted 
for  high  treason,  to  escape  yesterday  morning,  I  flatter 
myself  we  should  have  acquitted  ourselves  with  tolera 
ble  success,  and  I  hope  have  given  satisfaction  to  the 
good  people.     This  escape  has  given  me  much  uneasi 
ness,  as  I  fear  it  will  be  undeservedly  attributed  to  the 
inattention  of  the  court.     If  the  gaoler  was  not  privy 
to  the  escape,  which  did  not  appear,  he  is  perhaps  too 
severely  punished.     The  court  in  fixing  his  punishment 
had  a  retrospective  eye  to  past  abuses  of  this  sort,  and 
thought  an  early  example  of  severity  would  be  likely 
to  prevent  them  in  future.     He  appears  to  be  a  young 
simple  fellow,  unacquainted  with  the  duties  of  his  office, 
and  not  fully  instructed  by  the  sheriff,  who  has  been 
almost  daily  cautioned  on  the  subject.     This  gaoler's 
case  is  recommended  to  the  mercy  of  your  excellency 
and  council,  at  such  season  as  you  shall  judge  expedient 
to  exercise  it.     Mr.  Att'y  Gen'l  will  inform  you  of  the 
particular  demerits  of  the  other  convicts ;  some  of  them 
may  hereafter  be  entitled  to  partial  pardons ;  I  wish  I 
could  say  they  were  at  this  time.     The  little  time  the 
members  of  the  court  had  for  considering  the  commis 
sion  after  my  arrival,  hurried  us  into  a  matter  which  on 
further  consideration  I  confess  I  am  not  satisfied  with 

5 


66          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1777. 

I  mean  the  short  time  between  the  teste  and  return 
for  the  praecipe  for  the  Grand  Jury.  In  England  I 
observe  fifteen  days  was  ordered,  on  mature  delibera 
tion,  of  all  the  judges  acting  under  the  special  com 
mission  of  1746.  What  the  practice  has  been  in  New 
Jersey  we  do  not  know,  as  the  clerk  has  none  of  the 
former  circuit  papers.  If  we  have  erred,  it  is  partly 
chargeable  on  the  council  for  appointing  the  court  so 
shortly  after  issuing  the  commission,  and  they  are 
bound  to  get  the  legislature  to  cure  it.  Had  I  had  half 
an  hour's  time  for  thinking  of  the  matter,  it  should 
have  been  otherwise. 

In  your  letter  notifying  me  of  this  court,  you  ob 
serve  that  my  not  attending  the  courtat  Burlington 
had  given  uneasiness.  Whatever  private  individuals 
might  have  thought,  I  am  persuaded  no  member  of 
the  legislature  had  the  least  right  to  expect  my  attend 
ance.  Two  hundred  miles  a  day  is  rather  hard 
travelling,  and  even  that  would  not  have  done  unless 
they  suppose  me  possessed  of  the  spirit  of  divina 
tion.  I  accepted  my  present  office  to  manifest  my 
resolution  to  serve  my  country.  I  mean  to  do  the  duty 
of  it  while  I  hold  it,  according  to  my  best  judgment. 
Whenever  the  legislature  think  they  can  fill  it  more 
advantageously,  the  tenor  of  my  commission  shall  not 
disappoint  them. 

The  court  rose  without  adjournment,  as  it  was  not 
supposed  they  would  have  occasion  to  set  again, 
unless  Eddy  should  be  retaken.  If  this  should  be 
the  case  I  hope  one  of  the  other  justices  will  be  able 


1777.]    EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.      67 

to  attend ;  I  fear  I  shall  not.  I  wish  the  legislature 
before  another  court  sits  would  take  under  consider 
ation  the  judgment  in  high  treason, — old  indictments 
at  the  suit  of  the  king, — and  some  other  difficulties  in 
former  practice,  which  the  Att'y  Gen'l  will  mention  to 
you. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  your  excellency's  very  hum 
ble  serv't, 

ROB'T  MORRIS. 
Gov'r  LIVINGSTON. 

From  Charles  Pet  tit  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Burlington,  June  15,  1777. 

DEAR  SIR, — You  will  receive  herewith  a  draught  of 
a  Commission  of  Oyer  and  Terminer,  which  I  have 
made  from  one  of  the  old  forms  ;  it  is  a  translation  as 
liberal  as  the  change  of  style  will  admit.  I  send  also, 
by  way  of  cover,  the  draught  of  the  late  commission  for 
SXissex,  so  that  you  may  have  an  opportunity  of  com 
paring  them.  On  farther  consideration,  (though  I  have 
had  no  opportunity  of  examining  books,)  I  am  better 
satisfied  that  the  Court  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  may  be 
legally  held  under  such  commission,  if  it  were  only  by 
virtue  of  the  Act  for  reviving  and  establishing  the 
courts  of  justice*  The  only  doubt  that  remains  is  the 
appointment  of  assistant  justices  to  those  of  the  Su 
preme  Court,  as  it  may  be  said  they  ought  to  be  elected 
by  the  Council  and  Assembly ;  if  so,  it  might  be  well 
at  their  next  meeting  to  elect  a  set  of  associates  for 
each  county. 


68   CORRESPONDENCE  OF  THE  NEW  JERSEY    [1777- 

The  late  movement  of  the  enemy  has  put  the  militia 
pretty  generally  in  motion,  except  in  this  county  where 
but  few  have  turned  out ;  something  more  may  yet 
perhaps  be  done  with  them,  especially  as  they  hear 
their  neighbors  are  going  with  cheerfulness  and  confi 
dent  of  success. 

Friday  and  Saturday  we  were  not  quite  free  from 
alarming  apprehensions,  knowing  but  little  of  the  ene 
my's  strength,  what  course  they  would  take,  or  what 
numbers  of  militia  would  turn  out  to  aid  our  army ; 
but  we  now  imagine  they  will  not  reach  far  westward 
of  Brunswick.  I  have,  however,  moved  away  the 
boxes  I  was  some  time  ago  desired  to  prepare,  with 
their  contents,  leaving  nothing  but  a  few  conveniences, 
for  current  business.  You  will  know  what  I  mean  by 
this  description. 

You  will  scarcely  expect  anything  in  the  news-way 
from  me,  as  the  attention  of  every  one  is  now  so  fixed 
on  the  transactions  of  the  part  of  the  country  you  are 
nearer  to  than  I  am.  I  may,  however,  mention  a 
report  we  had  on  Saturday  last,  (which  seemed  to  come 
straight,  and  has  not  been  contradicted,)  that  the  enemy 
had  invested  Egg  Harbor  Inlet,  and  taken  out  two  sloops 
and  a  larger  vessel  outward  bound. 

I  am,  with  great  respect,  D'r  sir,  your  most  obedient 
humble  servant, 

CHAS.  PETTIT. 

His  excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


1777.]     EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.    69 

From  General  Heard  to  the  Council  of  Safety. 

Pompton,  June  17th,  1777. 

GENTLEMEN, — I  send  down  this  day  several  persons 
for  your  examination.  They  are  charged  with  taking 
away  in  an  unlawful  manner  some  tea  stored  at  Para- 
mus.  I  also  send  Major  Gordon  with  several  exami 
nations,  and  orders  from  his  Excellency,  General 
Washington,  respecting  it,  and  as  they  were  not  in 
actual  service  at  the  time  of  taking  said  tea,  must  refer 
them  for  your  determination.  The  quantity  of  tea 
missing  supposed  to  be  near  four  hundred  weight.  Mr. 
Gordon  will  inform  you  more  particularly. 

I  am,  gent.,  your  humb.  ser't, 

NATHANIEL  HEARD. 
Council  of  Safety. 


From  Charles  Pettit  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Burlington,  June  19th,  1777. 

DEAR  SIR, — I  had  the  honor  to  enclose  to  you  a  few 
days  ago  a  draught  of  a  commission  of  Oyer  and  Ter- 
miner,  &c.,  but  as  conveyances  are  uncertain,  I  know 
not  when  it  may  reach  you.  Last  evening  I  received 
the  enclosed  letter  from  Col.  Cox,  and  in  order  to 
convey  it  to  you,  I  shall  send  this  to  the  commanding 
officer  at  Bristol,  with  a  request  to  forward  it,  either  by 
the  return  of  an  express,  or  by  some  officer  going  to 
head  quarters.  I  would  beg  leave  to  recommend  it  to 
your  Excellency's  consideration,  whether  it  would  not 


70          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1777. 

be  proper  to  order  a  part  of  the  militia  to  watch  the 
motions  of  the  enemy  about  the  Egg  Harbor  Inlets.  I 
have  been  informed  the  militia,  from  Trenton  upwards, 
have  turned  out  with  great  zeal  and  unanimity.  I  also 
heard  they  are  doing  the  like  in  the  counties  southward 
of  this  ;  but  that  from  an  apprehension  of  danger  on 
their  own  coasts,  where  the  enemy's  vessels  are  con 
stantly  in  view,  and  daily  making  descents  in  small 
parties,  they  will  march  very  reluctantly  from  that 
quarter.  Some,  however,  are  on  their  march,  and  from 
what  I  can  learn  they  would  come  from  thence  pretty 
.  generally,  were  it  not  for  the  consideration  I  have 
mentioned  ;  and  they  now  think  themselves  the  more 
exposed  there,  as  the  Pennsylvania  troops  are  withdrawn 
from  Billingsport.  Your  Excellency  will  judge  how  far 
it  will  be  proper  to  alter  the  orders  respecting  the  militia 
of  the  southern  counties.  As  to  this  county,  I  fear  but 
little  is  to  be  expected.  A  baneful  influence  has  been 
too  much  spread  among  the  people,  and  though  there 
are  yet  many  among  them  who  would  willingly  act 
with  propriety  if  they  knew  how  to  set  about  it,  their 
services  are  lost  to  the  public  for  want  of  active  and 
spirited  officers  of  weight  and  influence  to  collect  and  . 
draw  them  to  a  point.  In  these  alarming  times,  there 
seems  to  be  a  necessity  for  some  established  mode  of 
conveyance  from  this  quarter  of  the  state  to  your 
Excellency.  At  present,  were  the  exigency  ever  so 
pressing,  I  should  scarcely  know  by  what  route  to  send 
an  express  to  you,  or  where  you  might  be  found. 
In  the  neighborhood  of  the  army,  I  apprehend  the 


1777.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.        71 

military  power  must  in  a  great  measure  overshadow 
the  civil,  but  at  this  distance  from  it,  the  Executive 
power  of  the  government  would  give  vigor  to  the 
public  measures.  As  to  affairs  merely  of  a  civil  nature, 
there  may  not  be  immediate  necessity  to  call  your 
Excellency's  attention  to  them,  as  the  government  is  so 
far  established  in  this  quarter  of  the  state  as  to  work  its 
way  pretty  well  in  the  ordinary  course.  But  having 
the  enemy  all  around  the  coast,  exigences  are  constantly 
arising  which  require  exertions  and  military  arrange 
ments  that  I  am  apprehensive  our  officers  are  not  equal 
to,  and  both  the  commander-in-chief  of  the  state,  and 
commander-in-chief  of  the  army,  being  at  so  great  a 
distance,  I  fear  will  be  attended  with  inconvenience. 

I  have  said  more  than  I  intended  when  I  began  this 
letter,  and  perhaps  more  than  it  becomes  me  to  say  on 
subjects  of  this  kind,  but  as  it  has  arisen  merely  from  a 
regard  to  the  welfare  of  the  state  and  the  honor  of  your 
government,  I  am  persuaded  you  will  consider  it  as  an 
emanation  of  friendship,  rather  than  impute  it  to  an 
impertinent  desire  of  intermeddling  in  things  out  of 
my  line  of  duty.  If  the  hints  I  have  mentioned  pro 
duce  any  effect  for  the  good  of  the  state,  they  will  not 
meet  with  your  censure  ;  if  otherwise,  I  hope  they 
will  be  esteemed  at  least  innocent,  and  escape  repre 
hension,  from  the  goodness  of  the  motive  which  gave 
rise  to  them. 

People  in  general,  as  well  in  Philadelphia  as  in  this 
part  of  Jersey,  are  far  from  being  dismayed  at  the  late 
manoeuvres  of  the  enemy  :  on  the  other  hand,  they 


72          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1777. 

think  the  cause  never  had  a  fairer  prospect  of  success 
than  at  present  And  so  long  as  this  sentiment  does 
not  lull  us  into  sluggish  security,  it  may  be  rather  ben 
eficial  than  otherwise. 

I  am,  with  great  respect,  your  most  ob't  and  h'e  sv't, 

CH'S  PETTIT 
His  Excellency,  Gov.  LIVINGSTON. 

From  Joseph  Hedden,  Jr.,  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Newark,  June  21st,  1777. 

SIR, — I  take  this  opportunity  by  a  light-horse  sent 
by  Major  Hayes,  to  transmit  to  your  Excellency  the 
names  of  the  women  that  have  their  husbands  at  New 
York  or  Bergen,  with  the  enemy.  Nothing  new  in 
this  town  since  I  saw  your  Excellency.  I  am  daily 
applied  to  by  some  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  place  to 
nominate  some  fit  person  to  act  as  deputy  Surrogate. 
There  are  a  number  of  wills  to  be  proved,  and  letters 
of  administration  granted,  and  no  person  in  this  county 
qualified  to  act  in  that  oifice.  If  your  Excellency 
would  please  to  appoint  Elisha  Boudinot,  Esq.,  to  that 
office  it  would  greatly  oblige  a  number  of  the  inhabit 
ants  of  this  town.  There  yesterday  came  to  this  town 
one  Caleb  Bruen,  who  was  taken  prisoner  about  eight 
weeks  ago  by  the  enemy,  at  or  near  Paramus.  I  sup 
pose  he  is  sent  by  Mr.  Brown  and  Mr.  Isaac  Ogden  to 
get  intelligence.  He  is  to  return  back  to  New  York  in 
three  or  four  days,  and  shows  a  pass  from  Gen.  Pigot  to 
come  to  Newark  and  return  to  New  York.  If  your 


1777.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  73 

Excellency  thinks  proper  said  Bruen  should  be  per 
mitted  to  return  to  New  York,  please  to  inform  me  by 
the  bearer. 

I  am  your  Excellency's  most  ob't  and  h'e  serv't, 

JOS.  HEDDEN,  JR, 
His  Excellency,  Gov.  LIVINGSTON. 

Names  of  the  Tory  women. 

Elizabeth  Bailey,  Hannah  Ward, 

Mary  Longworth,  Abigail  Ward, 

Sarah  Crawford,  Elizabeth  Wheeler, 

Margaret  Nichols,  Mrs.  Connelly, 

Catharine  Longworth,  Elizabeth  Brown, 

Phebe  Banks,  Sarah  Sayres, 

Lydia  Sayres,  Polly  Wood. 


From  General  Dickinson  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Boundbrook,  June  26th,  1777. 

DEAR  SIR, — I  received  yonr  Excellency's  letter  by 
Mr.  Runyon ;  which  together  with  the  information 
received  from  several  members  who  attended  the  joint 
meeting  at  the  time  of  my  being  chosen,  has  given  me 
the  sincerest  satisfaction.  I  do  accept  the  commission 
of  Major  General  as  a  mark  of  the  approbation  of  my 
conduct,  of  the  honorable  Council  and  Assembly  of 
this  state,  and  shall  on  all  occasions  endeavor  to  render 
the  most  essential  services  in  my  power. 

Neither  my  own  health,  nor  the  situation  of  my 
family,  would  permit  me  to  accept  a  commission  that 


74     CORRESPONDENCE  OF  THE  NEW  JERSEY   [1777. 

should  oblige  me  to  do  duty  as  I  formerly  did.  But 
whenever  there  is  a  general  call  for  the  militia  I  will 
attend,  and  continue  as  long  as  the  militia  remain  out, 
or  his  Excellency  shall  think  proper.  I  have  been  in 
formed  by  many  gentlemen  of  both  houses  the  ap 
pointment  was  made  with  that  view. 

His  Excellency,  Gen.  Washington,  last  evening  re 
quested  me  to  send  up  Gen.  Heard  with  about  500  men 
to  Pompton,  to  take  his  old  station.  As  I  apprehend  it 
will  come  with  more  propriety  from  your  Excellency, 
I  beg  the  favor  of  you  to  send  such  an  order.  Should 
your  Excellency,  upon  a  similar  occasion  in  future, 
think  it  proper  for  me  to  issue  such  an  order,  you  will 
please  to  signify  the  same. 

Several  persons  in  the  counties  of  Burlington 
and  Hunterdon,  I  am  informed,  have  an  inclination 
to  form  themselves  into  a  troop  of  horse,  as  there  are 
not  any  in  that  part  of  the  state  ;  and  their  utility 
being  sufficiently  known  to  your  Excellency,  I  should 
be  glad  you  would  give  permission  for  raising  a 
troop.  Captain  Gamble,  of  Burlington  county,  has 
offered  to  raise  a  troop,  should  your  Excellency  think 
proper  to  commission  him.  He  says  young  Mr.  Nosder 
will  accept  a  commission,  and  also  Mr.  Israel  Carle,  of 
Hunterdon  county,  will  take  the  Lieutenancy.  There 
may  be  some  rules  respecting  this  matter  that  I  am  not 
acquainted  with  ;  whatever  they  are  must  be  known  to 
your  Excellency.  But  as  we  have  an  immediate  and 
pressing  occasion  for  a  number  of  light-horse,  I  beg  leave 
earnestly  to  request  you  will  give  this  matter  immediate 


1777.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  75 

dispatch.  This  letter  is  prepared  in  great  hasie,  upon 
a  shattered  table,  and  in  a  crowded  room.  Your 
Excellency  will  therefore  excuse  inaccuracies. 

As  his  Excellency  has  dismissed  the  militia,  upon  their 
promise  of  an  immediate  return  if  necessary,  shall  go 
to  Trenton  for  a  few  days  if  nothing  material  happens. 

Your  Excellency's  most  ob't  ser't, 

PHILEMON  DICKINSON. 
His  Excellency,  Gov.  LIVINGSTON. 


From  Major  Hayes  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Newark,  June  30,  1777. 

SIR, — In  pursuance  of  your  excellency's  order  of  the 
24th  instant,  ordering  me  to  remove  from  the  county  of 
Essex  certain  women  and  children  therein  mentioned, 
I  last  Saturday  sent  the  following  women  with  their 
children  on  the  east  side  of  the  Hackensack  River; 
viz  :  Catharine  Longworth,  Elizabeth  Bailey,  Hannah 
Ward,  and  Mary  Wood  ;  Phebe  Banks  had  gone  to 
New  York  by  way  of  Hackensack  before  the  order 
came  to  hand.  Elizabeth  Wheeler  is  too  sick  to  be 
removed.  I  cannot  find  any  such  person  as  Anna  Clark 
Ritter  in  New  York  or  Elizabethtown. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  your  most  ob't  ser't, 

SAM'L  HAYES. 
His  Excellency,  Gov'r  LIVINGSTON. 


76         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY          [1777. 

From  Joseph  Hedden,  Jr.,  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Newark,  June  30,  1777. 

SIR, — On  Saturday  last  we  had  an  alarm  here,  and 
expected  the  enemy  in  town  within  an  hour  from  the 
time  the  alarm  was  given.  My  first  thought  was  the 
prisoners  which  we  have  confined  here.  Upon  going 
to  the  jail  I  could  find  neither  sheriff  nor  jailer  to  con 
sult  with  in  regard  to  their  safety.  The  sheriff  lives 
some  seven  miles  from  the  town,  and  the  jailer  ten. 
The  enemy  can  at  any  time  they  please,  with  a  party 
of  men,  and  with  the  assistance  of  their  flat -bottomed 
boats,  ravage  this  part  of  the  country,  and  carry  off  who 
and  what  they  have  an  inclination  for ;  and  it  is  im 
agined  they  will  make  an  excursion  to  this  place,  before 
they  entirely  quit  the  Jetseys  for  forage  and  provisions. 
If  your  excellency  and  the  honorable  council  think  it 
proper  the  prisoners  should  be  removed  from  this  town, 
to  some  more  remote  part  of  the  state,  please  to  give 
some  directions  about  that  matter.  Four  of  the  vil 
lains  who  are  confined  here,  the  sheriff  has  given 
liberty  to  use  the  court  room,  and  has  also  given  the 
jailer  orders  to  admit  certain  persons  to  have  free 
access  to  them,  who  are  thought  to  be  unfriendly  to  the 
country.  Mr.  Camp  will  give  you  more  particular  in 
formation  on  this  subject. 

I  am,  sir,  your  excellency's  most  ob't  and  hum.  ser't. 

jos.  HEDDEN,JR. 

His  Excellency,  Gov.  LIVINGSTON. 


1777.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  77 

Chief  Justice  Symmes  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Newtown,  June  14th,  1777. 

SIR, — Since  I  wrote  your  excellency  yesterday  eve 
ning,  I  have  further  to  acquaint  you,  that  two  of  the 
culprits  that  escaped  on  Monday  are  taken  and  brought 
back  to  jail.  The  county  is  all  out  after  the  others, 
and  I  hope  more  will  be  taken.  I  cannot  procure  the 
express  I  last  night  expected,  but  am  promised  one  in 
the  morning  by  the  sheriff.  I  submit  to  your  excellen 
cy  and  the  gentlemen  of  the  Council  of  Safety,  the 
great  necessity  there  is  of  again  opening  the  court  of 
Oyer  and  Terminer  in  this  county,  to  try  these  two  for 
felony,  as  taking  the  arms  and  keys  in  the  manner  they 
did  will  no  doubt  tuck  them  up.  An  exhibition  of  this 
sort  will  work  wonders.  The  people  cry  out  to  a  man, 
"  let  them  be  hanged ;"  and  a  gallows  was  never 
adorned  with  two  gems  more  deserving  of  it.  James 
Morris  and  one  of  the  Atwoods  are  the  two  taken.  The 
presence  of  the  Council  of  Safety,  and  a  little  more  of 
the  Court  are  as  necessary  at  this  time,  as  the  rays  of 
the  sun  are  to  vegetation.  Since  writing  the  above,  the 
scouts  have  come  in  with  three  more,  five  in  all.  While 
the  enemy  are  in  your  neighborhood,  I  humbly  conceive 
your  exertions  will  operate  to  better  purpose  at  a  dis 
tance.  "  The  military  overshadowing  the  civil,"  says 
Mr.  Pettit. 

I  remain,  sir,  your  most  ob.  ser't, 

JOHN  C.  SYMMES. 

His  excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


78  CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1777. 


Newark,  July   1,  1777. 

SIR, — I  received  Mr.  Paterson's  letter  of  this  day, 
about  half  an  hour  since,  and  in  compliance  to  your 
excellency's  request,  send  you  a  list  of  the  names  of  the 
prisoners  confined  here  and  at  Elizabethtown,  with 
their  crimes,  &c.,  &c. 

Peter  Dubois,  John  Robinson,  Eliphelet  Johnson, 
Thomas  Codmus,  Jr.,  and  James  Nuttman  imprisoned 
by  the  inferior  court  held  here  last  week,  six  months  for 
refusing  to  take  the  oaths  of  the  state. 

John  McGinness  and  Jno.  Havens,  imprisoned  by 
said  court  nine  months,  for  attempting  to  go  over  to 
the  enemy. 

Isaac  Ogden,  an  old  offender,  and  one  whom  your 
excellency  knows. 

George  Watts  and  Jno.  Edeson,  committed  to  goal 
for  treason,  have  not  yet  had  their  trials. 

Aaron  Kingsland,  committed  for  passing  counterfeit 
money  ;  not  yet  had  his  trial. 

The  above  persons  are  in  the  goal  of  this  town. 

Morris  Hetfield  and  Baker  Hendricks,  removed  from 
this  goal,  by  order  of  the  sheriff,  to  Elizabethtown  gaol, 
and  are  committed  for  passing  counterfeit  money  ;  not 
yet  had  their  trial. 

The  enemy  have  left  Amboy  and  gone  over  to 
Staten  Island  and  Bergen.  I  think  this  town  is 
much  more  exposed  now  than  when  they  were  below 
us.  I  beg  your  Excellency  will  favor  me  with  an 


1777.]    EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.      79 

answer  by  the  return  of  the  bearer,  with  sufficient  in 
structions. 

I  am  your  Excellency's  most  humble  servant, 

JOS.  HEDDEN,  JUN'R. 
His  Excellency,  WILLIAM  LIVINGSTON,  Esq.,  Governor 

and  Commander-in- Chief  of  the  state  of  New  Jersey. 


[Drafted  by  William  Paterson  on  the  foregoing  sheet. .] 

Whereas  Peter  Dubois,    John   Robinson,   Eliphelet 
Johnson,   Thos.   Codmus,  Jun'r,  and  James  Nuttman 
stand  committed  in  the  common  goal  at  Newark,  in 
and  for  the  county  of  Essex,  for  the  space  of  6  months 
by  the  order  and  judgment  of  the  court  of  General  Q,. 
Sessions  of  the  Peace  for  the  said  county,  for  refusing 
to  take   the  oaths  of  Ab.  and  Al.,  agreeably  to   law. 
And  whereas  John  McGinness  and  John  Havens  were 
by  order  of  the  said  court  imprisoned  for  9  months  on 
being  duly  convicted  of  a  misdemeanor  for  attempting 
to  go  over  to  the  enemy  ;    and  whereas  Isaac  Ogden, 
George  Watts  and  John  Edeson  are  imprisoned  in  the 
goal  aforesaid,  being  charged  with  high  treason  ;  and 
also  whereas  Aaron  Kingsland  and  Morris  Hetfield  and 
Baker   Hendricks  are   confined,   the   first  in  the  goal 
aforesaid  and  the  two  latter  in   the  goal  at  Elizabeth 
Town,  being  charged  with  felony  for  altering  and  pass 
ing  bills  of  credit,  knowing  them  to  be  altered  ;  and  it 
being  represented  .to  this  board  that   the    vicinity  of 
Newark  and  Elizabeth    Town  to  Staten  Island  and 
other  places  in  possession  of  the  enemy,  their  exposure 
to  incursions  render  it  necessary  that  the  persons  above 


80          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY          [1777. 

named  should  be  removed  to  some  more  distant  and 
secure  place  in  the  state.  It  is  therefore  agreed  that 
the  persons  aforesaid  be  confined  in  the  com.  goal  at 
Morris  Town,  and  that  orders  of  removal  be  immedi 
ately  made  out  and  executed. 

From  General  Forman  to  Edward  Taylor. 

Middletown,  Monmouth  County,  July  2d,  1777. 
SIR} — Several  complaints  have  been  made  to  me  re 
specting  your  conduct,  particularly  for  acting  as  a  spy 
amongst  us,  and  from  several  corroborating  circumstan 
ces,  especially  that  of  giving  information  to  a  parly  of 
tories  and  British,  commanded  by  your  son,  George 
Taylor,  late  militia  Col.  in  this  county,  now  a  refugee, 
by  which  means  your  son  and  his  party  escaped  the 
pursuit  of  a  body  of  militia  sent  to  attack  them.  I  do 
therefore  enjoin  it  upon  you  that  you  do  for  the  future 
confine  yourself  to  your  farm  at  Middletown,  and  do 
not  re-attempt  travelling  the  road,  more  than  crossing  it 
to  go  to  your  land  on  the  north  side  of  said  town,  unless 
by  liberty  obtained  from  the  legislative  body  of  this 
state,  or  this  order  be  recalled,  under  the  risk  of  being 
treated  as  a  spy. 

Yours,  &c., 

DAVID  FORMAN,  Brig.  General. 

From  Governor  Livingston  to  General  Winds. 

Morristown,  July  3d,  1777. 

SIR, — You  are  hereby  directed  to  detach  200  men  of 
the  militia  of  this  state,  viz.  200  from  the  county  of 


1777.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.        81 

Morris,  and  the  remaining  100  from  the  counties  of 
Sussex  and  Essex,  to  be  employed  in  apprehending 
disaffected  persons  agreeably  to  the  directions  of  the 
Governor  and  Council  of  Safety  of  this  state  ;  and 
whenever  the  men  are  raised  and  properly  equipped, 
(which  is  to  be  done  with  all  possible  expedition)  you 
are  to  notify  the  same  to  the  Governor  and  Council  of 
Safety  ;  upon  which  you  will  be  furnished  with  a  list  of 
the  persons  to  be  apprehended.  The  men  are  to  be 
charged  not  to  commit  any  depredations  upon  private 
property. 

The  above  detachment  will  only  be  a  Major's  com 
mand.  It  is  not  expected  that  you  will  command  them 
in  person  unless  you  choose  to  do  it.  By  a  late  resolu 
tion  of  Congress,  no  other  pay  is  allowed  to  any  officer, 
beyond  that,  to  which  the  officer  whose  proper  com 
mand  the  detachment  is  would  be  entitled.  It  is 
thought  that  Major  Hayes  of  Newark  would  be  a  very 
proper  officer  to  command  ihe  party.  This  order  not 
being  founded  on  the  Militia  Act,  but  merely  author 
izing  the  Council  of  Safety  to  call  out  the  militia  to 
carry  their  orders  into  execution,  does  not  admit  of 
any  fine  or  compulsion. 

Your  obed't  serv't, 

WILL.  LIVINGSTON. 

From  Governor  Livingston  to  General  Washington. 


Newton,  Sussex  County,  July  7th,  1777. 

SIR, — By   order   of  the    Council  of  Safety  of  this 
State,  General  Winds  has  collected  200  of  our  militia 

6 


82  CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY          [1777. 

to  proceed  to  the  county  of  Bergen  under  the  com 
mand  of  Major  Hayes  of  Newark,  a  prudent  and  active 
officer,  to  apprehend  such  disaffected  persons  in  that 
county  as  the  Council  of  Safety  think  it  most  necessary 
for  the  public  interest  to  commit  to  jail,  and  to  assist 
the  commissioners  for  securing  and  disposing  of  the 
personal  estates  of  those  who  have  gone  over  to  the 
enemy.  These  commissions  cannot  be  properly  exe 
cuted  in  that  county  without  military  aid.  Both  these 
services  being  of  the  last  importance  to  the  general 
interest,  we  doubt  not  will  meet  your  Excellency's 
approbation  and  encouragement.  As  General  Winds 
acquaints  me  that  the  men  are  destitute  of  ammunition, 
it  would  greatly  facilitate  the  enterprise  if  they  could 
be  furnished  out  of  the  continental  magazine  and 
charged  to  this  state,  unless  it  is  to  be  more  properly 
considered  as  a  continental  expense.  Whether  I  can 
with  propriety  ask  this  favor  of  your  Excellency,  to 
permit  the  party  to  draw  provisions  from  the  public 
stores,  I  am  at  a  loss  to  determine.  If  not,  they  must 
be  provided  as  well  as  they  can. 

With  great  respect,  your  Excellency's  most  humble 
and  ob't  serv't, 

WILL.  LIVINGSTON. 
His  Excellency,  Gen'l  WASHINGTON. 

From  Joseph  Hedden,  Jr.,  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Newark,  July  9th,  1777. 

gIR> — The  commissioners  are  much  impeded  in  their 
business  on   account  of  the  tory  women  that  remain 


1777.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  83 

with  us.  They  secrete  the  goods,  and  conceal  every 
thing  they  possibly  can  from  them,  which  gives  them  a 
great  deal  of  trouble.  There  is  here  one  James 
O'Brien  and  his  wife  that  have  been  great  plunderers 
and  concealers  of  goods,  and  when  called  upon  for  any 
thing,  they  petition  to  leave  and  go  among  Christians, 
and  not  to  be  detained  among  brutes,  as  they  call  us  in 
this  town.  Pray  make  an  order  to  send  them  among 
their  Christian  friends,  our  enemies.  I  send  the  follow 
ing  list  of  women  whose  husbands  are  with  the 
enemy — Mary  Kingsland,  Mary  Stager,  Filia  Risser, 
Sarah  Garrabrant,  Mary  Grumfield,  Elizabeth  Howet, 
Martha  Hicks,  Autta  Van  Riper,  Susanna  Wicks,  Mary 
Garrabraut,  Jane  Drummond,  Sarah  Sayres,  Lydia 
Sayres,  Margaret  Nichols,  Elizabeth  Brown,  Sarah 
Crawfoot,  Abigail  Ward. 

Sending:    the    above    women    after    their    husbands 

o 

will  be  an  advantage  to  the  state  and  save  the  com 
missioners  a  world  of  trouble. 

I  am,  Sir,  your  most  ob't  and  hum.  ser't, 

JOS.  HEDDEN,  JR. 
His  Excellency,  Gov.  LIVINGSTON. 

From  Joseph  Hedden,  Jr.,  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Newark,  July  21st,  1777. 

gIR? — This  day  I  received  an  account  of  sundry 
tories  that  were  taken  up  by  Col.  Morgan  the  20th 
instant,  and  sent  by  said  Morgan  to  Major  Hayes.  He 
being  out  of  the  way  I  thought  proper  to  acquaint  your 


84          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1777. 

Excellency  with  the  affair.  I  send  the  prisoners,  with 
their  crimes.  Inclosed  you  have  a  list  which  Col. 
Morgan  sent  with  them,  their  names  are  as  follows  : 
James  Smith,  Edw7d.  Allen,  Abrm.  Van  Gesan,  Jonah 
Allen,  Corns.  Van  Gesan,  Jno.  Stager,  Aaron  Clawson, 
Egbert  Sanders,  and  Isaac  Van  Gesan.  I  have  solicited 
a  guard  to  send  them  to  Morristown,  to  be  examined 
by  your  Excellency  and  the  Council  of  Safety.  This 
town  is  this  day  evacuated  by  the  continental  troops, 
and  no  militia  called  in  their  stead. 

There  is  one  Thomas  Barrow  of  New  York  sent  a 
sum  of  money  to  be  paid  to  a  gentleman  in  this  state  ; 
and  as  the  matter  hath  come  to  the  commissioners' 
knowledge,  would  be  glad  to  have  your  Excellency's 
opinion  whether  the  money  shall  be  detained  by  the 
commissioners  or  given  to  the  person  for  whom  it  was 
designed ;  this  said  Barrow  moved  fromt  his  town  last 
winter  while  the  enemy  were  in  possession  of  it. 

I  am  your  Excellency's  most  humble  serv't, 

JOS.  HEDDEN,  JUN'R. 
His  Excellency,  Gov.  LIVINGSTON. 

From  General  Dickinson  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Trenton,  August  1st,  1777. 

SiRj — In  consequence  of  business  sent  me  by  order 
of  his  Excellency,  General  Washington,  I  came  to 
Philadelphia  several  clays  ago,  and  to  this  place  last 
evening.  The  General  then  expected  the  fleet  was 
certainly  going  to  Philadelphia,  but  its  real  destination 


1777.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO   1786.  85 

yet  remains  a  secret.  I  should  be  much  obliged  to 
your  Excellency  to  inform  me  what  orders  you  have 
issued  respecting  the  militia  of  this  state,  that  I  may  not 
be  at  a  loss  should  they  make  their  appearance  suddenly, 
as  I  do  not  intend  returning  to  my  family  until  the 
designs  of  the  enemy  are  known. 

I  mentioned  to  your  Excellency  some  time  ago  the 
necessity  I  thought  there  was  for  a  troop  of  light -horse 
in  this  part  of  the  state,  to  which  I  have  received  no 
answer  :  perhaps  the  letter  never  reached  your  Excel 
lency.  Their  utility  is  too  well  known  to  enlarge  upon 
the  subject.  I  found  great  difficulty  this  day  in  pro 
curing  this  express,  and  another  to  his  Excellency,  Gen. 
Washington.  If  your  Excellency  thinks  proper  to 
authorize  me  to  raise  a  small  troop  here,  and  will  signify 
the  same  by  the  return  of  this  express,  I  will  undertake 
it  immediately,  and  doubtless  it  may  be  speedily  effected. 
I  could  give  the  officers  certificates  (by  your  permission) 
and  then  they  may  receive  their  commissions  from  your 
Excellency.  I  would  propose  raising  the  troop  in 
Hunterdon  and  Burlington  counties,  taking  officers 
from  both.  It  is  a  matter  of  immediate  consequence, 
therefore  beg  your  Excellency's  answer. 

I  formerly  received  instructions  to  give  orders  on 
either  of  the  Treasurers  for  the  payment  of  expresses, 
should  be  glad  to  have  your  Excellency's  order  respect 
ing  the  same.  I  have  employed  Mr.  Runyon  to  furnish 
them  several  times,  who  takes  receipts  and  keeps  an 
account. 

I    wrote    to   your   Excellency    that  I  wras   entirely 


86          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1777. 

satisfied  in  regard  to  my  appointment,  but  have  not 
received  the  commission.  Will  your  Excellency  be 
pleased  to  send  it  by  this  express. 

I  remain  your  Excellency's  most  ob't  and  humb'e  ser't, 

PHILEMON  DICKINSON. 
His  Excellency,  Gov'r  LIVINGSTON. 


From  William  Paterson  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Newark,  August  12th,  1777. 

DEAR  SIR, — I  have  sent  you  a  certain  Mr.  Macomb 
for  examination.  He  came  out  of  New  York  with  a 
flag  from  Gen'l  Jones,  in  order  to  go  to  Brunswick  on 
private  business.  He  landed  at  Amboy,  where  there 
was  no  officer  to  receive  him  ;  from  thence  he  proceed 
ed  to  New  Brunswick,  at  which  place,  he  says,  he  pro 
cured  a  passport  from  Mr.  Voorhes,  a  militia  officer,  to 
go  up  to  Millstone.  He  returned  to  Brunswick,  and 
Mr.  Voorhes  conducted  him  to  Elizabethtown.  This 
transaction  wears  a  singular  complexion,  and  is  not,  I 
believe,  conformable  to  the  rule  which  governs  flags, 
and  which  is  established  in  the  military  department. 
He  has  travelled  through  a  considerable  part  of  Jersey 
in  a  very  improper  manner.  When  he  came  to  this 
place,  Major  Hayes  was  directed  to  take  charge  of  him 
until  he  could  be  conveyed  to  Gen'l  Sullivan,  who,  we 
understand,  is  the  nearest  general  officer  belonging  to 
the  Continental  Army.  However,  I  thought  it  most 
advisable  to  send  him  to  your  Excellency,  who  can 
proceed  in  the  matter,  and  take  such  order  respecting 


1777.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  87 

him  as  may  be  judged  most  proper.  The  enemy  if 
we  may  judge  from  their  general  course  of  conduct, 
would  not  suffer  a  flag  from  us  to  behave  in  the  like 
manner,  without  due  notice  and  chastisement.  They 
would  have  consigned  him  instantly  to  the  care  of  their 
provost  guard. 

General  Lee  is  on  board  of  the  Centurion,  and  Cap 
tain  Manly,  of  the  Portland.  Captain  Lowrey,  of  Jersey, 
wTho  was  taken  in  the  late  skirmish  near  the  Short  Hills, 
was  confined  in  the  Provost  in  New  York,  and  in  which 
he  died  a  few  da}s  ago.  I  am  amazed  that  the  Con 
gress  do  not  act  agreeably  to  their  Resolution,  and  push 
into  exercise  the  law  of  retaliation.  We  deserve  to  be 
insulted,  because  we  bear  it.  If  we  were  to  treat  the 
soldiers  of  the  enemy,  who  are  prisoners  with  us,  in  the 
same  manner  that  they  treat  our  soldiers,  who  are  pris 
oners  with  them,  it  would  soon  produce  a  mild  and 
humane  course  of  conduct.  All  the  Jersey  officers  who 
have  been  taken  by  the  enemy,  are  now  in  the  Provost, 
and  treated  in  the  most  severe  and  barbarous  manner. 
Perhaps  a  letter  from  your  Excellency  and  the  Council, 
addressed  to  Congress,  might  be  productive  of  the 
happiest  effect.  Mr.  Justice  Smith  arrived  at  this  place 
yesterday  about  noon.  The  Chief  Justice  and  Mr. 
Smith  agreed  that  it  would  be  improper  to  hold  the 
next  Supreme  Court  at  Amboy,  and  I  make  no  doubt 
your  Excellency  will  be  of  the  same  opinion.  I  wish 
that  your  Excellency  and  the  Privy  Council  would 
direct  an  ordinance  to  be  made  out  altering  the  place, 
but  not  the  time  of  holding  the  Court.  I  requested 


88  CORRESPONDENCE     OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY          [1777. 

the  Judges  to  give  their  opinion  respecting  the  most 
proper  place  to  have  it  held,  and  on  considering  the 
matter,  they  agreed  that  Princeton,  which  lies  in  the 
Eastern  Division,  would  be  the  most  proper  place. 
The  Supreme  Court  will  come  on  the  first  Tuesday  of 
next  month. 

We  have  not  any  militia  from  Hunterdon,  Somerset, 
or  Sussez.  We  have  an  excellent  Grand  Jury,  Mr. 
Pettit  at  the  head  of  them.  They  have  already  found 
twelve  bills. 

I  am  your  Excellency's  most  ob't  Serv't, 

WM.  PATERSON. 

His  Excellency,  Gov.  LIVINGSTON. 


From  Captain  Webster  to  Colonel  Frelinghuysen. 

Piscataway,  August  17th,  1777. 

SIR, — I,  having  received  information  that  James 
Wells  and  Richard  Churchward,  (both  of  which  had 
left  their  families  and  gone  off  with  the  enemy,)  were  at 
Raritan  Landing,  I  immediately  dispatched  a  file  of 
men  out  of  my  company  to  apprehend  them,  which, 
when  brought  before  me,  they  acknowledge  to  have 
come  from  New  York  in  order  to  fetch  their  families 
thither  ;  that  their  employment  was  catching  clams  and 
oysters  for  the  enemy;  that  they  had  a  pass  to  go  with 
in  the  king's  lines  ;  that  they  refuse  to  take  up  arms  in 
defence  of  the  American  states,  &c.  Therefore,  as  our 
situation  is  at  present  very  dangerous — there  being  no 
troops  to  guard  between  us  and  the  enemy — I  think  it 


1777.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  89 

highly  necessary  that  such  known  enemies  should  be 
kept  in  custody,  and  not  to  be  suffered  to  return  un 
punished.  Upon  the  above  confession  I  have  given 
orders  to  the  guard  to  deliver  said  Wells  and  Church 
ward  to  Col.  Frelinghuysen,  to  be  dealt  with  by  him  as 
he  shall  think  proper. 

JOHN  WEBSTER,  Capt. 
To  Col.  FRELINGHUYSEN, 
or  to  eiiher  of  the  Commanding  Officers  in  his  absence. 


From  Brig  Gen.  Newcomb  to  Governor  Livingston 

Woodbury,  August  25,  1777. 

SIR,  Having  frequently  been  informed,  that  a  number 
of  the  inhabitants  of  Downs,  in  Cumberland  county  in 
this  state,  had  made  a  practice  of  going  on  board  the 
enemy's  ships  in  Delaware  Bay,  and  in  other  respects 
favoring  the  designs  of  the  British  administration  in 
traitorous  acts  and  speeches  against  the  authority  of 
these  states  ; — on  the  5th  inst.,  I  issued  orders  to  Major 
Ewing  to  detach  from  the  militia  a  sufficient  number  for 
that  purpose,  and  apprehend  the  persons  suspected  to 
be  guilty  as  above,  which  orders  the  Major  has  executed, 
and  makes  me  the  following  return: — That  on  the  7th 
inst.  they  proceeded  as  directed,  and  apprehended  fifteen 
of  the  above  persons,  twelve  of  whom  were  discharged 
by  the  civil  authority,  on  taking  the  oaths  of  the  state. 
Three  were  convicted  of  the  following  crimes  :  that 
they  had  been  on  board  of  the  enemy's  ships,  had  met 
and  treated  with  the  enemy  on  shore,  and  had  received 


90          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1777. 

instructions  from  them  how  to  conduct  themselves  in 
case  of  an  alarm,  which  instructions  were  delivered  to 
them  by  a  certain  Daniel  Shaw,  their  ringleader,  on  a 
day  previous  to  the  enemy's  landing,  with  assurance 
they  would  land  at  such  an  hour,  as  they  actually  did. 
It  is  likewise  proved  against  said  Shaw,  that  he  had  laid 
a  design  with  his  gang,  to  seize  upon  me  in  the  night 
and  take  me  on  board  the  enemy's  ship";  that  he  made 
application  to  a  blacksmith  for  a  number  of  spikes  to 
spike  the  cannon  placed  in  a  redoubt  near  Morris 
River,  which  the  smith  refused  to  do,  and  he  was  one 
of  his  confederates  and  still  bore  this  testimony  against 
him.  Although  the  evidence  was  directed  chiefly 
against  Shaw  as  their  chief,  yet  others  are  his  accom 
plices,  and  constant  associates  are  doubtless  equally 
guilty.  Some  of  those  who  were  discharged  by  the 
court  acknowledged  they  have  been  on  board  the  ship, 
but  it  appears  that  for  some  time  past  they  have  con 
ducted  better,  and  have  avoided  the  company  of  Shaw 
altogether.  One  of  the  principal  villains,  brother  to 
Shaw,  is  now  with  the  enemy,  and  two  others  keep  out 
of  the  way,  that  they  cannot  be  taken. 

This  is  the  return  made  by  Major  Ewing,  and  I  should 
be  glad  to  be  favored  by  your  excellency  with  directions 
in  what  manner  these  cases  shall  be  tried ;  and  whether 
if  they  are  willing  to  enter  on  board  the  continental  fleet, 
they  may  not  be  permitted  to  do  so,  previous  to  trial. 

Agreeably  to  your  orders  I  am  now  at  this  place  with 
nea  300  of  the  militia  of  my  brigade,  which  number 
was  furnished  by  the  following  regiments,  and  in  the 


1777.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.        91 

following  proportions,  viz.;  Col.  Hand's  60,  Potter's  24, 
Holmes'  110,  Dick's  20,  Ellis'  55;  the  other  regiments 
furnished  none,  nor  have  any  appeared  from  Burlington 
as  your  orders  intimated.  I  would  submit  it  to  your 
excellency  whether,  as  the  movements  of  the  enemy 
are  so  precarious,  the  orders  given  me  might  not  be 
more  discretionary,  as  I  am  always  on  the  spot,  and  the 
distance  so  great  that  the  service  might  suffer  before 
proper  orders  could  be  procured  from  your  excellency 
on  every  occasion. 

I  am  your  excellency's  most  ob't  and  hum.  ser't, 

SILAS  NEWCOMB,  B.  G. 
His  Excellency,  Gov.  LIVINGSTON. 


From  Sitvanus  Seely  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Elizabethtown,  August  21st,  1777. 

SIR, — I  received  information  yesterday  that  there  had 
gone  over  a  canoe  and  three  men  the  day  before  to 
Staten  Island.  I  immediately  sent  off  a  small  party  to 
watch  them  ;  they  accordingly  did  so,  and  in  the  eve 
ning  took  the  canoe  and  one  of  the  men,  Benjamin 
Hatfield.  I  send  him  to  you  by  Peter  Williams  and 
John  Bonnel,  Jr.,  two  of  the  men  that  apprehended 
him.  He  denies  that  any  men  went  ovei  with  him, 
but  says  that  Jacob  Hatfield  and  James  Hatfield  went 
down  with  him  to  get  his  boat  off.  I  am  inclined  to 
think  this  is  true.  I  make  no  doubt  both  these  fellows 
went  down  and  helped  him  away,  and  then  returned, 
as  I  know  they  were  in  town  at  the  time  the  canoe 


92          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1777. 

was  seized.  Our  men  found  with  him  lj  gallons  of 
rum,  1  Ib.  tea,  sugar  and  salt,  and  sundry  small  writings 
which  I  have  enclosed.  Please  inform  me  what  I  shall 
do  with  the  goods  taken  with  him. 

Your  ob't  and  humb.  serv., 

SILVANUS  SEELY. 
His  Excellency,  Gov.  LIVINGSTON. 

Captain  Craig  to  Colonel  Frelinghuysen. 

August,  1777. 

DEAR  COL. — Agreeably  to  your  order  of  last  evening 
I  marched  what  men  I  could  muster  to  Trurnblys'  Point, 
and  posted  them  in  such  manner  as  I  thought  best,  to 
receive  the  enemy  if  they  came  over.  No  movement 
was  perceived  in  that  quarter,  but  was  informed  that 
they  landed  at  Woodbridge  Neck,  about  80  men,  and 
took  off  ten  of  the  inhabitants  as  prisoners,  and  above 
one  hundred  head  of  cattle,  and  no  person  to  oppose 
them.  It  is  with  the  greatest  difficulty  that  I  am  able 
to  keep  my  company  together,  as  they  have  been 
expecting  to  receive  assistance,  and  if  not  very  soon 
rendered,  I  shall  scarcely  be  able  to  keep  this  post. 
The  enemy  were  over  near  Woodbridge  Neck  night 
before  last,  and  seized  three  of  the  inhabitants  within 
one  mile  where  we  lay.  I  must  likewise  beg  the  favor 
of  being  supplied  with  cartridges,  as  we  have  not  more 
than  one  round  apiece. 

Your  most  ob't  ser't, 

JOHN  CRAIG. 
Col.  FRELINGHUYSEN,  at  Elizabeth  Town. 


1777.]          EXECUTIVE   FROM  1776  TO  1786.  93 

From  Ebenezer  Hazard  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  August  23d,  1777. 

SIR, — Some  time  last  fall  a  certain  Andries  Buskirk 
was  employed  as  a  post  rider  between  Hackensack  (at 
which  place  he  lived)  and  my  office  in  the  state  of  New 
York.  He  rode  but  three  or  four  trips  before  the  mail 
fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy  at  Hackensack.  Gen 
eral  Washington's  letter  to  Congress  upon  that  occasion 
intimated  that  this  was  not  an  accident,  but  the  effect 
of  design  in  the  rider ;  which  I  am  inclined  to  think 
was  the  case,  as  his  Excellency,  Gen.  Washington, 
asserts  nothing  as  a  fact  but  upon  good  authority.  I 
have  been  informed  the  rider  was  apprised  of  his  dan 
ger,  and  took  no  care  to  avoid  it.  As  I  am  told  Buskirk 
is  now  in  confinement  in  Newark,  I  beg  your  Excel 
lency  will  be  pleased  to  direct  an  inquiry  to  be  made 
respecting  this  matter,  that  if  Buskirk  has  been  treach 
erous,  he  may  be  punished.  His  son  rode  at  the  time 
the  mail  was  taken,  but  as  Buskirk,  himself,  was  the 
person  we  agreed  with  as  a  rider,  he  is  answerable  for 
the  conduct  of  those  he  employed  under  him.  It  is  not 
unlikely  his  son  is  at  Hackensack,  and  may  be  easily 
taken,  I  think  his  name  is  Andries.  It  is  said  that  Dr. 
McLean  of  New  York,  kept  the  rider  in  chat  till  the 
enemy  came  up.  I  beg  to  be  favored  with  a  line  in 
answer  to  this,  and  am 

Your  Excellency's  most  obedient  and  very  h'e  ser't, 

EBEN.  HAZARD. 

His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


94  CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1777 

From  Colonel  Frelinghuysen  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Raritan,  August  25th,  1777. 

DEAR  SIR, — I  expected  yesterday  to  find  your  Excel 
lency  at  Morristown,  and  am  extremely  sorry  that  your 
Excellency  left  the  place  before  I  arrived.  I  have  so 
much  to  communicate  and  so  much  to  complain  of,  that 
I  am  extremely  anxious  to  see  you,  but  conceive  it  my 
duty  to  repair  again  to  my  station  before  night,  which 
I  could  not  reach  should  I  first  go  to  Princeton.  I  am 
besides  so  much  fatigued  by  losing  my  rest  for  two 
nights  past  that  I  must  necessarily  choose  the  shortest 
road. 

Col.  Middah  waits  upon  you,  and  will  represent  to 
your  excellency  several  things,  concerning  which  I  have 
not  time  to  write.  In  particular  the  Colonel  will  ac 
quaint  you  with  the  circumstances  of  the  affair,  on 
Staten  Island,  for  I  suppose  my  letter  on  that  subject 
having  been  sent  to  Morris  is  not  received.  The  prin 
cipal  matter  on  which  I  am  so  desirous  of  conversing 
with  your  excellency,  is  the  unhappy  situation  of  our 
state.  The  continental  troops  are  to  march  towards 
Philadelphia.  The  militia  who  have  turned  out  are  a 
trifliMg  number ;  the  enemy  are  encouraged  and  irri 
tated.  The  consequences,  I  fear,  will  be  fatal  to  that 
county ;  nay,  I  have  reason  to  believe,  the  enemy  will 
not  lay  idle  after  the  removal  of  the  continental  troops. 
Is  it  not  in  your  excellency's  power  to  prevail  upon 
General  Sullivan  to  leave  one  of  the  Jersey  regiments  ? 
If  so,  it  is  the  only  means,  I  believe,  which  can  be 


1777.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  95 

used  for  the  salvation  of  that  county.     I  must  certainly 
fall   a  prey  to  the   enemy  with   my  little   party,  if  the 
enemy  choose  to  come  down,  and  we  attempt  to  drive 
them  back.     I  fear  much  the  loss  of  character,  but  I  am 
most  concerned  for  the  poor  inhabitants,  and  their  pro 
perty.     I  am   however  determined  to  exert  my  utmost 
abilities  for  the  defence  of  this  state  ;  and  I  trust  I  shall 
not  be  blamed  for  any  of  my  future  conduct  by  those 
who  are  unacquainted  with  my  situation.    I  must  inform 
your  excellency,  that  I  have   four  prisoners  who  were 
taken  up  as  spies,   having  been   with  the   enemy  all 
winter,  and  are  now  making   their  appearance  among 
us.     I  shall  send  them  on  with  the  two  before  appre 
hended.     Your  excellency's  directions  respecting  such 
measures  as  Colonel  Middah  will  mention,  I  hope  will 
be  immediately  forwarded,  especially  with  reference  to 
the  procuring   of  ammunition.      I  must  not  forget  to 
congratulate   your  excellency  on  the   great  loyalty  of 
Hunterdon  county.     On  Saturday  arrived  at  Elizabeth- 
town  Lieut.  Col.  Houton,  with  one  private,  a  baggage 
wagon  and  two  horses.     The  Colonel  says  it  is  occa 
sioned  by  a  report  having  been    industriously  spread 
among  the  inhabitants,  that  General  Dickinson  advised 
them  by  no  means  to  go,  there  being  no  need  of  any 
militia ;  that  their  being  called  upon  was  solely  owing 
to  a  whimsical  notion  of  General  Hinds.     Something, 
doubtless,  must  be   immediately  done  upon  my  arrival 
atElizabethtown.     I  shall  order  Col.  Houton  to  return, 
and  wait  upon  your  excellency.     I  dare  say  the  account 
of  General  Sullivan's  conduct  in  the   affair  of  Staten 


96         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY          [1777. 

Island  will  cause  some  uneasy  sensations.  I  wish  I 
may  be  wrong  in  my  opinion,  but  I  seriously  believe 
that  upon  inquiry,  nothing  but  the  most  unpardonable 
neglect  will  be  found  the  cause  of  our  loss.  I  send  by 
Col.  M.  three  letters,  which  I  received  last  night. 

I   am  your    excellency's    most   obedient    and   most 
humble  servant, 

FREDK  FRELINGHUYSEN. 
His  Excellency,  Gov.  LIVINGSTON. 


From  Edward  Taylor  to  Governor  Livingston  and  the 

Legislature. 

Middletown,  August  25, 1777. 

GENTLEMEN, — As  the  ear  of  the  Legislature  of  New 
Jersey  is  always  open  to  hear  the  complaints  of  the 
people  and  to  redress  grievances,  I  therefore  take  this 
opportunity  to  make  my  complaint  to  your  honorable 
body.  I  may  be  remembered  by  some  of  you  who 
attended  the  Governor  at  Bordentown  as  a  Council  of 
Safety,  when  I  was  ordered  to  attend  by  the  command 
ing  officer  of  this  county.  I  accordingly  attended,  and 
was  bound  over  to  attend  the  next  court  of  Oyer  and 
Terminer  that  should  be  held  in  this  county,  which  I 
thought  was  for  small  charges,  though  was  better 
satisfied,  thinking  as  I  was  a  prisoner  to  the  Governor, 
under  bail,  I  should  be  free  from  insult  from  the  military 
authority  without  just  cause,  but  to  my  great  surprise  I 
found  my  mistake.  I  was  sent  for  to  appear  before  the 
commanding  officer,  Gen.  Forman,  and  made  a  prisoner. 


1777.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  97 

as  you  may  see  by  the  enclosed  letter.     The  charges 
made  against  me  are  entirely  unjust.     I  am  as  innocent 
of  them   as  the   child    unborn.     Though    innocent,    I 
strictly  obey  the  order  of  confinement,  which  is  a  con 
siderable  damage  to  me  in  my  business,  having  a  grist 
mill  at  the  distance  of  two  or  three  miles  from  where  I 
live,  and   nobody  but  servants  of  my  own  house  to 
attend  there,  whom  I  cannot  trust  without  my  being 
present  to  oversee  them,  which  occasions  my   mill  to 
stand    idle    the    chief  part    of   the  time,  which  is   a 
great  damage  to  my  neighbors  as  well  as  myself.     My 
farming  business  is  also  neglected,  part  being  at  a  dis 
tance    from    where    I   reside.     I    therefore    hope   my 
complaint  will  come  under  your  speedy  consideration,, 
and  that  I  may  be  ordered  to  appear  before  your  hon 
orable  house,  and  my  accusers  also,  that  I  may  know 
who  they  are  or  what  they  will  say  against  me.     If  my 
request  should  be  granted,  I  should  take  it  as  a  favor 
from  his  Excellency,  the  Governor,  to  send  an  order 
for  me  to  appear,  which  may  be  a  protection  for  my 
person  in  my  journey,  and  also  an  order  of  protection 
for  my  family  and  property  during  my  absence,  which 
favors  will  be  gratefully  acknowledged. 
Your  most  ob't  and  hum'e  serv't, 

EDWARD  TAYLOR. 

His    Excellency,    Gov.    LIVINGSTON,    Commander-in- 
Chief,  and  the  Hon.  Council  and  Gen.  Assembly. 


98          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1777. 

List  of  Prisoners  ordered  to  Princeton. 

Elizabethtown,  August  27th,  1777. 

Taken  and  detained  for  having  gone  into  the  enemy's 
lines  and  returning  to  this  state : 

James  Worth,  apprehended  by  order  of  Col.  Fre- 
linghuysen. 

Benjamin  Worth,  taken  just  after  the  action  on 
Staten  Island,  he  having  left  the  Island  when  the 
action  began. 

Jonathan  Clauson,  Cornelius  Clauson,  apprehended 
by  Major  Dunn  for  having  joined  the  enemy  when  in 
Jersey. 

James  Wells,  Richard  Churchward,  left  the  Island 
and  came  to  Jersey,  apprehended  by  Capt.  Webster. 

James  Compton,  apprehended  by  Major  Davison. 

James  Hetfield  and  Jacob  Hetfield,  apprehended  by- 
order  of  his  Excellency,  Governor  Livingston. 

To  Lieutenant  Allen — 

You  are  required  to  march  forthwith  with  6  men  and 
take  the  above  prisoners  to  Princeton  and  deliver  them 
to  his  Excellency's  order. 

FREDK.  FRELINGHUYSEN,  Col. 


From  the  President  of  the  Continental  Congress  to 
Governor  Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  September  5th,  1777. 

SIR, — In  the  present  exigency  of  public  affairs,  the 
Congress  have  come  to  the  enclosed  resolve,  which  I 


1777.]          EXECUTIVE   FROM  1776  TO  1786.  99 

have  the  honor  to  transmit,  and  which  I  am  to  request 
you  will  comply  with  as  soon  as  possible. 

The  militia  of  the  state  of  New  Jersey  by  their  late 
conduct  against  our  cruel  enemies,  have  distinguished 
themselves  in  a  manner  that  does  them  the  greatest 
honor ;  and  I  am  persuaded  they  will  continue  to  merit 
on  all  occasions,  when  called  upon,  the  reputation  they 
have  so  justly  acquired.  Those  \vhich  the  Congress 
now  request  you  will  order  out,  it  is  their  desire  you 
will  order  to  rendezvous  at  Bristol. 

It  will  be  highly  agreeable  to  Congress  to  give  the 
command  to  Gen.  Dickinson,  should  the  appointment 
fall  in  with  your  judgment,  and  I  have  reason  to  believe 
he  will  cheerfully  accept  of  it,  if  you  should  think 
proper  to  put  them  under  his  direction. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  greatest  respect,  sir, 
your  most  obed't  and  very  h'ble  serv't, 

JOHN  HANCOCK,  Presid't. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


From   the  President  of  the   Continental  Congress  to 
Governor  Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  September  12th,  1777. 

SIR,— It  is  the  earnest  desire  of  Congress,  and  I 
have  it  in  charge  to  inform  you  of  it,  that  you  will 
immediately  order  out  four  thousand  of  the  Jersey 
militia  to  reinforce  the  army  under  General  Washing 
ton  with  all  possible  expedition. 

If  you  should  not  be  able  to  call  out  that  number,  it 


100        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1777 

is  the  request  of  Congress  that  you  will  call  out 
as  many  as  possible  in  this  critical  state  of  our 
affairs. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  sir,  your 
most  obed.  serv't, 

JOHN  HANCOCK,  Presid't. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


Governor  Livingston  to  Brigadier  General  Newcomb. 

Haddonfield,  September  20th,  1777. 

SIR, — As  from  the  real  bravery  of  our  militia,  and 
the  terror  with  which  they  have  already  frequently 
struck  the  enemy,  they  will  doubtless  be  of  essential 
service  in  opposing  the  progress  of  the  enemy  towards 
Philadelphia,  I  think  it  best  those  now  collected  at 
Woodbury  should  immediately  march  to  join  the  militia 
under  the  immediate  command  of  General  Armstrong, 
and  to  reinforce  the  army  under  the  command  of  his 
Excellency,  General  Washington.  This  detachment, 
I  am  persuaded  from  your  zeal  for  the  cause,  you  would 
upon  this  important  occasion  be  desirous  of  command 
ing  in  person.  But  as  in  all  probability  the  enemy's 
fleet,  should  their  land  army  meet  with  success,  will 
attempt  to  ravage  our  coasts,  and  they  may  perhaps 
throw  over  some  troops  besides,  I  think  your  presence 
will  be  more  necessary  in  this  state.  You  will  therefore 
direct  Capt.  Potter  to  take  the  command  of  the  troops 


1777.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.      101 

now  at  Woodbury,  and  to  march  them  with  all  possible 
expedition  as  above  directed. 
I  am  your  hum'e  serv't 

WILL.  LIVINGSTON. 
Brigadier  Gen'l  NEWCOMB. 


From   Governor  Livingston  to  the  President   of  the 
Continental  Congress. 

Princeton,  October  4,  1777. 

SIR, — The  council  a  few  days  ago  was  informed,  but 
not  officially  so,  that  Mr.  Penn,  late  Governor,  and  Mr. 
Chew,  late  Chief  Justice  of  Pennsylvania,  with  some 
others,  had  been  removed  to  the  Union,  in  the  county 
of  Hunterdon,  by  order  of  the  Hon.  Board  of  War. 
We  are  extremely  sorry  that  persons  of  their  political 
caste  and  rank  in  life  should  have  been  sent  into  this 
state,  which  is  nearly  encircled  by  the  enemy,  to  say 
nothing  of  our  domestic  foes.  Wherever  the  enemy 
go  they  never  fail  to  make  friends  and  abettors,  or  at 
least  to  call  up  such  into  active  life  in  their  favor  as 
during  their  absence  remained  in  a  sort  of  inactivity. 
We  have  suffered  extremely  from  persons  under  parole. 
A  course  of  experience  has  fully  convinced  us,  that 
they  have  always  tinctured  the  neighborhood  in  which 
they  have  been  fixed  with  toryism  and  disaffection. 
There  is  hardly  a  county  in  this  state  which  is  not  at 
present  exposed  to  the  incursions  of  the  enemy ;  and 
therefore  we  submit  it,  whether  it  be  proper  to  send 
any  suspected  persons  into  it.  They  have  an  imper- 


102         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1777. 

ceptible  and  baleful  influence  even  upon  the  well  affect 
ed.  We  request,  therefore,  that  the  above  gentlemen 
may  be  removed  into  some  other  state  as  soon  as  pos 
sible.  Of  all  Jersey,  the  spot  in  which  they  are  at 
present  is  the  very  spot  in  which  they  ought  not  to  be. 
It  has  always  been  considerably  disaffected,  and  still 
continues  so,  notwithstanding  all  our  efforts,  owing,  we 
imagine,  in  part  to  the  interests,  connection,  and  influ 
ence  of  Mr.  John  Allen,  brother-in-law  of  Mr.  Penn, 
who  is  now  with  the  enemy.  Of  this  the  Board  of  War 
must  have  been  entirely  ignorant,  otherwise  they  would 
not  have  made  such  an  order  of  removal.  And  we  are 
willing  to  ascribe  it  to  the  hurry  and  multiplicity  of 
of  their  business,  that  either  the  honorable  the  Congress, 
or  the  Board  of  War,  should  have  selected  any  part  of 
New  Jersey  as  a  prison  for  mal- contents,  without  first 
notifying  the  same  to  the  executive  power  of  the  state. 
Nor  can  we  persuade  ourselves  that  they  will  have  any 
objection  against  our  removing  the  before-mentioned 
prisoners  out  of  this  state,  to  such  other  parts  of  the 
country  as  Congress  may  think  most  fit  for  their  safety, 
or,  if  they  must  remain  in  this  state,  to  leave  it  to  our 
direction  in  what  particular  locality,  they  are  likely  to 
do  the  least  mischief. 

I  am  your  ob't  and  hum.  ser't, 

WILL:  LIVINGSTON. 
His  Excellency, 

JOHN  HANCOCK,  Pres't  of  Congress. 


1777.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.          103 

From  Colonel  Maxwell  to  Governor  Livingston. 

October  4,  1777. 

SIR, — As  Col.  Dayton  is  going  to  jour  excellency 
on  the  business  I  designed  to  write  upon,  and  his  excel 
lency,  General  Washington,  having  wrote  to  you  fully 
on  that  head,  my  designs  are  nearly  anticipated.  How 
ever,  I  will  offer  something,  viz  :  If  our  state  does  not 
keep  a  watchful  eye  over  their  troops  in  the  clothing 
way,  I  am  certain  they  will  in  a  great  measure  be  neg 
lected. 

From  this  and  all  to  the  southward,  every  state  has 
imported  something,  and  by  their  industry  had  got 
their  troops  tolerably  well  clothed  in  the  spring ;  and, 
with  what  the  clothier-general  assisted  them  to  in 
common  afterwards,  they  will  make  a  tolerable  appear 
ance.  I  need  say  little  to  you  of  the  northern  troops ; 
you  must  well  know  their  advantages  in  getting  cloth 
ing,  and  they  made  use  of  them.  We  have  gone  very 
early  into  the  field,  and  have  had  no  other  dependence 
but  on  the  clothier-general,  and  we  got  them  in  bits 
and  scraps,  as  the  miser  gives  his  son  some  part  of  his 
patrimony  before  death.  It  was  dealt  out  with  so 
scanty  a  hand,  we  never  knew  the  good  of  it ;  besides 
we  never  got  our  proper  quantity,  and  some  of  what  we 
did  get  was  rotten.  If  our  state  would  provide  a 
complete  suit  at  first,  then  the  other  supply  might  be 
sufficient.  We  are  in  great  need  at  present  of  shoes, 
stockings,  breeches,  shirts,  good  jackets,  and  some  caps, 
for  the  want  of  which  many  valuable  men  are  rendered 
useless. 


104   CORRESPONDENCE  OF  THE  NEW  JERSEY   [1777. 

His  excellency  says  that  if  you  would  now  fill  up 
the  regiments  he  would  ask  no  more  militia.  That 
pernicious  practice  of  substitutes,  either  in  the  standing 

army  or  militia,  must  be  put  a  stop  to to 

recruiting,  and  nothing  will  prevent  it  while  the  militia  is 
required.  I  submit  these  few  observations,  to  your 
excellency  and  both  houses,  and  hope  that  a  temporary 
supply  may  be  sent  as  soon  as  possible ;  and  am 

Your  Excellency's  most  obedient  and  humble  ser 
vant, 

WM.  MAXWELL. 

His  excellency,  the  Governor  of  New  Jersey. 


From  General  Washington  to  General  For  man. 

Head-Quarters,  Philadelphia  County,  Oct.  6,  1777. 
SIR, — You  having  informed  me  that  the  times  of 
many  of  your  present  brigade  of  militia  are  near  expi 
ring,  and  that  many  others  who  came  out  for  no  certain 
time,  are  anxious  to  return  home,  you  have  my  permis 
sion  to  march  them  towards  Delaware,  under  pretence 
that  you  are  going  to  guard  the  stores  at  Trenton,  and 
when  they  have  crossed  the  river  you  may  discharge 
them.  But  I  must  beg  that  you  will  immediately  use 
your  utmost  endeavors  to  collect  a  number  equal  to  what 
you  were  to  have  brought  in  your  last  brigade,  and 
return  with  them  as  soon  as  possible  to  join  the  army 
under  my  command.  I  shall  be  glad  if  you  will  let  me 


1777.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.          105 

know,  upon  your  arrival  in  Jersey,  when  I  may  expect 
you  again,  and  with  what  force. 

I  am,  sir,  your  most  ob't  serv't 

G°  WASHINGTON. 
General  FORMAN. 

From  Elisha  Boudinot  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Newark,  Oct.  9th,  1777. 

SIR, — I  received  your  favor  yesterday  relative  to  the 
appointment  with  which  your  Excellency  and  the  Com 
mittee  of  Safety  have  honored  me.  The  inadequate 
salary  would  not  have  been  the  obstacle  against  my 
accepting  the  office,  as,  during  the  present  distress  of 
my  country,  I  would  freely  devote  my  time  to  its  ser 
vice,  and  I  should  have  immediately  set  out  for  Bor- 
dentown,  on  the  reception  of  your  letter,  had  I  not 
previous  to  this  received  an  office  in  the  military  depart 
ment.  I  am  in  hopes,  however,  to  get  liberty  to  act  as 
secretary  for  the  short  time  you  will  sit,  which  I  suppose 
will  be  no  longer  than  the  meeting  of  the  Legislature. 
I  shall  be  able  to  determine  this  on  Monday,  which  if  it 
is  according  to  my  wishes,  I  will  set  out  on  Tuesday. 
If  it  should  be  otherwise,  must  beg  your  Excellency 
and  the  Committee  of  Safety  to  accept  of  my  thanks 
for  the  polite  offer,  and  to  be  assured  that  it  is  with  the 
greatest  reluctance,  if  I  am  obliged  to  decline  the  ap 
pointment. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  your  Excellency's  most  ob't 
and  humb'e  serv't., 

ELISHA  BOUDINOT. 
His  Excellency,  Gov'r  LIVINGSTON. 


106        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1777. 

From  the  President  of  the  Continental  Congress  to  the 
Assembly  of  New  Jersey. 

York  Town,  Pennsylvania,  October  17th,  1777. 

GENTLEMEN, — I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  a  copy 
of  the  return  to  Congress  from  Gen.  Washington  of 
those  articles  of  clothing  that  are  absolutely  necessary 
for  the  army  under  his  immediate  command,  accompa 
nied  with  an  extract  of  the  General's  letter  on  the 
subject.  From  these  letters  you  will  perceive  that  the 
troops  are  in  the  greatest  distress  and  likely  to  suffer 
still  more  from  the  inclemency  of  the  approaching 
season,  unless  they  are  relieved  in  time.  I  am  therefore 
in  obedience  to  the  inclosed  order  of  Congress  earnestly 
to  request  you  will  forward  to  head  quarters,  with  all 
possible  dispatch,  all  such  articles  mentioned  in  the 
return  as  you  are  able  to  collect,  which  are  not  imme 
diately  wanted  for  the  regiments  that  have  not  yet 
joined  the  army.  You  will  also  be  pleased  to  issue 
orders  to  the  officers  of  the  clothier's  department  who 
reside  in  your  state,  to  exert  themselves  to  forward  the 
clothing  agreeably  to  the  inclosed  requisition  of  Con 
gress.  I  must  also  entreat  your  attention  to  the  other 
resolves  herewith  transmitted. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  gentlemen,  your  most  obedi 
ent  and  very  humble  servant, 

JOHN  HANCOCK,  Presid't. 
Hon'ble  Assembly  of  the  State  of  New  Jersey. 


1777.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  107 

From  William  Paterson  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Morristown,'  October  18th,  1777. 

DEAR  SIR, — In  the  13th  section  of  the  act  constitu 
ting  a  Council  of  Safety,  the  President  and  Council 
are  authorized  at  discretion  to  direct  the  trial  of  certain 
offenders  in  other  counties  than  those  in  which  the 
crimes  were  committed.  The  insurgents  who  were 
taken  on  their  way  to  the  enemy  are  now  at  this  place, 
but  the  court  cannot  with  propriety  proceed  to  try  them 
unless  they  be  expressly  directed  for  the  purpose.  I 
wish  your  Excellency  would  be  pleased  to  write  to  the 
Chief  Justice  and  enclose  an  order  directing  the  court 
to  try  the  said  insurgents  in  this  county.  Lest  your 
Excellency  should  not  have  their  names,  I  send  herewith 
a  list.  The  Easton  offenders  I  suppose  will  soon  come 
on,  and  hope  that  you  will  send  a  similar  order  for  them. 

Jacob  Bogart,  John  Sears,  Joseph  Pearce,  Stout 
Havens,  Win.  Newman,  and  Richard  Morrison  were, 
upon  confession,  committed  for  high  treason  by  the 
Council  of  Safety.  If  there  be  any  witnesses,  I  should 
be  early  informed  of  them.  Mere  confession,  although 
sufficient  to  commit  upon  in  high  treason,  is  not  suffi 
cient  to  convict.  Cornelius  Clawson,  James  Worth, 
Benjamin  Worth,  and  Jonathan  Clawson  were  likewise 
committed  by  the  Council  of  Safety,  upon  confession 
solely.  The  commitments  against  the  last  four  include 
two  charges  :  first,  high  treason ;  second,  felony  for 
going  into  the  enemy's  lines.  Confession,  perhaps,  will 
operate  in  felony  ;  and  therefore  it  will  be  necessary 


108        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1777. 

for  some  of  the  Council  of  Safety  who  were  present  at 
the  confession  to  attend  the  court.  By  turning  to  the 
minutes  you  will  be  able  to  see  what  members  were 
present.  Mr.  Parker  informed  me  yesterday  that  he 
had  not  yet  sent  his  letter  to  Mr.  Skinner,  and  told  me 
he  imagined  (and  perhaps  justly  enough)  that  the  com 
manding  officer  at  Elizabethtown  would  not  let  it  pass 
without  an  order  from  your  Excellency.  If  proper, 
your  Excellency  can  send  the  order  to  me,  and  I  will 
forward  it  with  the  letter  to  General  Dickinson. 

The  well  affected  at  Newark  are  very  uneasy  about 
a  certain  Capt.  Kennedy,  who  was  laid  under  parole 
by  the  late  Convention.  The  uneasiness  increases, 
owing  to  the  enemy's  having  a  few  days  ago  driven  70 
or  80  head  of  fat  cattle  from  his  farm.  He  is  on  half 
pay  in  the  British  service.  Would  it  not  be  proper  to 
release  the  Capt.  from  his  parole,  and  then  call  upon 
him  to  take  a  decisive  part  ?  I  once  moved  something 
of  this  kind  in  Council,  but  it  went  off,  as  business  of 
a  more  pressing  nature  happened  to  come  in  before  it 
could  be  decided  upon.  I  am  convinced  that  the 
Council  did  a  very  imprudent  action  at  Princeton  in 
advising  your  Excellency  to  detach  the  men  which 
should  compose  General  Forman's  brigade,  for  the 
Pennsylvania  service,  from  particular  regiments  ;  it  has 
broke  in  upon  and  marred  extremely  Gen.  Dickinson's 
arrangements  and  plan.  I  submit  it  to  your  Excellency 
whether  in  future  it  will  not  be  most  advisable,  when  a 
requisition  is  made  for  men,  for  your  Excellency  to 
determine  the  number,  and  Gen.  Dickinson  to  deter- 


1777.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  109 

mine  from  what  regiments  and  brigades  that  number 
shall  be  detached.  If  the  orders  were  through  Gen. 
Dickinson,  so  far  as  respects  the  mode,  it  will  prevent 
confusion. 

Glorious  news  !  glorious  news  !  General  Burgoyne 
has  surrendered  himself  and  his  whole  army  prisoners 
of  war  to  Gen.  Gates.  I  believe  this  intelligence  may 
be  depended  upon,  it  comes  quite  direct.  The  bearer 
will  inform  your  Excellency  more  particularly. 

Enclosed  are  two  letters  for  your  Excellency,  and  a 
newspaper.  One  of  the  letters  is  from  General  Winds 
and  being  informed  that  it  was  on  business  of  impor 
tance,  I  have  dispatched  the  messenger  sooner  than  I 
should  have  done.  I  believe  our  militia  will  not  be 
wanted  up  the  North  River,  if  so,  would  it  not  be  best 
to  recall  them  1  At  all  events,  it  would  not  be  improper 
to  order  Gen.  Winds  (unless  he  be  already  ordered  by 
Gen.  Dickinson)  to  return  the  instant  the  enemy  sail 
down  the  river. 

I  am,  with  respect,  your  most  ob't  and  hu.  serv't, 

WM.  PATERSON. 
His  Excellency,  Gov.  LIVINGSTON. 


From  Jonathan  Elmer  to  Governor  Livingston. 

York  Town,  November  20th,  1777. 

SIR, — As  my  term  of  delegation  expires  in  a  few 
days  and  business  of  importance  requires  my  attend 
ance  elsewhere,  I  propose  leaving  Congress  to  morrow. 
The  state  of  New  Jersey  will  then  be  unrepresented. 


110       CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY          [1777. 

I  thought  it  my  duty  to  acquaint  you  with  it,  and  to 
request  the  Assembly  immediately  to  send  forward  one 
or  more  delegates  from  the  state. 

I  have  made  it  my  business  ever  since  I  have  had  the 
honor  of  a  seat  in  Congress,  to  attend  as  constantly  as 
possible.  Whether  I  have  discharged  the  important 
trust  reposed  in  me  by  my  constituents  to  their 
satisfaction  or  not  I  must  leave  to  them  to  judge.  I 
can  however  with  truth  declare  that  I  have  at  all  times 
exerted  myself  to  the  utmost  of  my  slender  abilities  for 
the  good  of  ni)  country  and  in  particular  for  the  state 
which  I  have  had  the  honor  of  representing. 

Congress  hath  at  length  completed  the  confederation. 
It  is  now  printing,  and  will  be  sent  forward  in  a  few 
days  for  the  consideration  and  approbation  of  our  Leg 
islature. 

The  distance  of  the  public  treasury  of  our  state  from 
my  place  of  abode  when  at  home,  and  my  not  having 
had  an  opportunity  of  waiting  upon  the  Assembly  when 
sitting,  have  prevented  my  receiving  any  money  for 
public  services  through  the  Treasurer's  hands.  I 
received  300  dollars  of  Mr.  Clark  in  July  last,  for 
which  I  gave  him  a  receipt,  and  for  which  he  engaged 
to  account  to  the  Assembly.  Since  that,  I  have  drawn 
on  the  continental  treasurer  for  700  dollars,  to  be 
charged  to  the  state  of  New  Jersey,  and  for  which  I 
expect  to  account  to  the  state. 

The  expense  of  attending  Congress  upon  the  most 
economical  plan  I  have  been  able  to  draw,  amounts  to 
considerably  more  than  20  shillings  a  day.  I  rely  on 


1777.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.       Ill 

the  generosity  of  the  assembly  to  make  me  such  an 
additional  allowance  as  they  shall  deem  adequate. 
Observing  to  you,  sir,  that  my  expenses  for  the  7  weeks 
I  have  attended  Congress  in  this  place,  for  supporting 
myself  and  one  horse,  amounts  to  £65.  The  Delegates 
from  every  other  state  have  from  5  to  8  dollars  a  day, 
and  in  general  complain  they  cannot  subsist  on  the  pay 
allowed  them  by  their  respective  states. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  your  most  obedient  and 
very  humble  servant, 

JONATHAN  ELMER. 
Hon'ble  Speaker  of  Assembly,  N.  Jersey. 


From  the  President  of  the  Continental  Congress  to  the 
Governor  of  New  Jersey. 

Yo'rktown,  December  23d,  1777. 

SIR, — I  am  directed  by  Congress  to  transmit  to  your 
honorable  body  the  enclosed  resolutions,  which  the 
pressing  wants  of  the  army,  and  the  arts  and  avarice  of 
engrossers  and  extortioners  have  rendered  indispensably 
necessary  to  the  general  welfare. 

It  is  with  deep  concern  that  Congress,  after  having 
for  some  time  contemplated  in  painful  silence  the  mis 
chiefs  which  threaten  this  extended  continent  from  the 
growing  avarice  of  the  times,  feel  themselves  constrained 
to  recommend  measures,  which  the  virtue  of  all  classes 
of  men  rendered  not  long  since  unnecessary,  and 
which  a  scrupulous  regard  for  the  security  of  property 


112        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1777. 

to  every  citizen  of  these  states  has  hitherto  restrained 
them  from  adopting  ;  but,  (unhappy  the  case  of  Ameri 
ca)  laws  unworthy  the  character  of  infant  republics,  are 
become  necessary  to  supply  the  defect  of  public  virtue, 
and  to  correct  the  views  of  some  of  her  sons ;  and  she 
is  called  upon  by  the  grand  principle  of  self-preservation 
to  guard  against  the  parricide  of  those  whom  she  has 
fostered  in  her  own  bosom. 

To  minds,  whose  reflections  are  employed  on  the 
importance  of  the  cause  in  which  we  are  engaged,  and 
which  feel  for  every  circumstance  wrhich  may  affect  the 
honor  and  safety  of  these  states,  it  must  give  the  most 
painful  sensations  to  consider,  that  at  a  time  when  the 
late  signal  successes  we  have  been  blest  with,  the  re 
duced  numbers  of  the  enemy,  the  difficulties  they  meet 
with  in  procuring  foreign  levies,  and  the  political  com 
plexion  of  affairs  in  Europe,  have  deprived  them  of 
many  of  those  resources  on  which  she  has  so  much 
depended ;  when  the  numbers  and  improving  discipline 
of  the  army,  the  prodigious  augmentation  of  our  milita 
ry  stores,  the  quantity  of  provisions  with  which  this 
country  abounds,  and  the  large  supplies  of  clothing 
which  have  of  late  been  imported  by  private  persons, 
afford  not  only  the  opportunity  but  the  means  under 
divine  Providence  of  establishing  our  liberties  by  a  few 
exertions, — this  bright  prospect  should  be  clouded  over, 
and  this  great  and  glorious  event  endangered  by  the 
languor  of  too  many,  and  by  the  arts  and  avarice  of 
designing  individuals,  who  like  the  British  nabobs  of  the 
East,  are  corrupting  the  manners  of  a  whole  nation, 


1778.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.       113 

and  building  vast  fortunes  on   the   destruction  of  the 
liberties  of  the  Western  World. 

It  is  to  be  hoped,  however,  that  the  wise  and  spirited 
laws  of  the  different  states,  aided  by  the  influence  and 
exertions  of  the  real  patriots,  will  apply  effectual  reme 
dies  to  these  evils ;  that  the  old  and  hardened  offenders 
will  be  punished  ;  that  those  in  whose  bosoms  the  sparks 
of  public  virtue  are  not  yet  extinguished,  will  be  re 
claimed  ;  the  languid  roused  from  their  present  apathy, 
and  that  all  classes  of  men  will  unite  with  their  former 
spirit  and  virtue  against  an  enemy  whose  progress  is 
marked  with  every  vestige  of  barbarity,  and  whose  de 
termined  object  is  to  establish  a  tyranny  of  the  most 
dangerous  and  debasing  nature  over  the  inhabitants 
of  a  vast  continent.  Congress  flatter  themselves  that 
the  resolutions  herewith  transmitted,  will  lead  to  accom 
plish  some  of  these  valuable  purposes ;  and  they  there 
fore  esteem  it  their  duty  to  recommend  them  to  the 
serious  consideration  of  your  honorable  House,  and 
hope  they  will  be  carried  into  execution  as  expeditiously 
as  possible. 

By  order  of  Congress, 

JOHN  HANCOCK,  Pres't. 


From  the  Board  of  War  to  the  Governor. 

War  Office,  May  25th,  1778. 

The  Board  not  having  thought  proper  to  agree  with 
Col.  John  Patton  for  the  carrying  on  the  Andover  Iron 
Works,  have  instructed  Col.  Flower  to  apply  to  the 


114          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1778. 

government  of  your  state  and  procure  the  possession  of 
the  Works  for  Col.  Thomas  Maybury,  with  whom  the 
terms  of  the  contract  are  settled,  on  condition  of  his 
getting  the  possession  agreeably  to  the  resolution  of 
Congress.  As  we  find  it  absolutely  necessary  to  put 
these  works  in  blast,  the  Board  beg  the  favor  of  your 
Excellency  to  assist  Col.  Flower  or  Col.  Maybury  in 
the  business  ;  they  will  necessarily  have  to  have  such, 
relative  to  these  works  with  the  government  of  your 
state. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with,  great  esteem,  your  very 
obed't  serv't, 

By  order  of  the  Board, 

RICHARD  PETERS. 

His  Excellency,  Gov.  LIVINGSTON. 

From  Colonel  Flower  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Lebanon,  May  28,  1778. 

SIR, — Your  Excellency  will  see  by  tbe  honorable 
Board  of  War  and  Ordnance,  that  they  have  not 
thought  proper  to  agree  with  Col.  Patton  for  the  carry 
ing  on  the  Andover  Iron  Works,  and  have  directed  me 
to  apply  to  the  government  of  your  state  and  procure 
the  possession  of  the  Works,  to  wit :  the  furnace  and 
forges  for  Col.  Thomas  Maybury,  with  whom  I  have 
made  a  contract,  for  the  iron  to  be  made  at  the  said 
Works,  to  be  converted  into  steel,  agreeably  to  the 
resolution  of  the  Honorable  Congress  of  the  15th  Jan 
uary  last; — since  Col. Patton  could  not  get  possession  of 


1778.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.       115 

these  works,  with  the  consent  of  the  owners,  two  of 
them  being  with  the  enemy  in  Philadelphia ;  and  Mr. 
Chew  whom  Mr.  Whitehead  Humphreys  and  myself 
waited  on,  who  is  another  owner,  refused  to  have  any 
thing  to  do  with  it,  as  he  was  only  a  part  owner,  but 
advised  me  to  send  in  a  flag  to  Philadelphia,  in  order  to 
treat  with  Messrs.  Allen  and  Turner  on  the  terms  of  the 
lease,  agreeably  to  the  resolution  of  the  Honorable 
House  of  Assembly  of  your  state  on  the  13th  March 
last ;  which  advice  of  Mr.  Chew  I  considered  as  an 
insult,  as  he  knew  such  a  step  was  impracticable. 

I,  therefore,  in  behalf  of  the  United  States  of  North 
America,  beg  leave  to  solicit  your  Excellency's  assist 
ance  in  these  premises,  in  order  to  have  Col.  Maybury 
put  in  possession  of  the  Andover  Works  as  soon  as  possi 
ble  ;  as  your  Honors  were  pleased  to  assure  us,  that  if 
the  present  owners  of  the  works  refused  to  let  them  for 
the  use  of  the  public,  the  Legislature  would  then  take 
the  necessary  steps  for  putting  them  in  possession  of  a 
proper  person  in  order  to  have  them  carried  on  for  the 
purpose  before-mentioned. 

I  hope  the  Legislature  will  approve  of  Col.  Maybury, 
and  give  him  such  assistance  as  will  enable  him  to  per 
form  his  contract,  and  that  your  Excellency  will  use 
your  influence  to  accomplish  this  very  essential  and 
important  business. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  your  Excellency's  most  obe 
dient  obliged,  very  humble  servant, 

BENJ.  FLOWER,  Col'l  Adj.  C.  G.  M. 
His  Excellency,  Gov.  LIVINGSTON. 


116         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1778. 

From  the  President   of  the   Continental   Congress  to 
Governor  Livingston. 

York-Town,  June  17,  1778. 

SIR, — Authentic  intelligence  received  by  Congress 
from  many  quarters,  leave  it  no  longer  doubtful  in  what 
manner  the  enemy  mean  to  conduct  their  plan  of  con 
ciliation. 

Under  delusive  appearances  of  pacific  acts  and  peace 
making  commissioners,  already  their  military  reinforce 
ments  begin  to  arrive,  and  already  they  have  com 
menced  the  campaign  in  many  places  with  acts  of 
cruelty  and  devastation. 

Indian  irruptions,  and  burning  houses  in  the  moment 
of  dispersing  propositions  for  peace,  evince  the  insidious 
designs  of  the  enemy,  and  demonstrate  the  necessity  of 
wisdom  in  council ;  of  strength  and  vigor  in  the  field. 
The  former  may  be  employed  to  distress  the  enemy 
greatly,  by  withholding  from  them  the  provisions  of 
America,  and  the  latter  by  quickly  collecting  powerful 
armies  to  take  advantage  of  their  present  weaknsss. 

In  duty  therefore  to  their  constituents,  Congress  ear 
nestly  call  upon  you,  sir,  and  your  state,  to  adopt  the 
most  effectual  and  vigorous  measures  for  speedily  rein 
forcing  the  continental  army  with  your  quota  of  troops. 
The  present  moment  unimproved,  may  be  productive  of 
most  pernicious  consequences,  and  the  public  safety 
demands  strong  and  united  efforts. 

Experience  hath  shewn  that  the  marine  force  of  our 
enemies  enable  them  to  secure  for  the  support  of  their 


1778.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.       117 

armies,  almost  the  whole  of  our  exported  provisions,  and 
therefore,  Congress,  impressed  with  the  necessity  of 
preventing  the  supplies  derived  to  our  foes  from  this 
source  and  desirous  of  supplying  the  armies  of  the 
United  States,  have  upon  mature  deliberation,  laid  an 
embargo  upon  provisions  of  all  kinds,  and  they  earnestly 
request  the  vigorous  exercise  of  the  powers  of  your 
state  to  carry  into  effective  execution  this  most  necessary 
measure. 

I  am,  with  great  respect,  sir,  your  excellency's  most 
obedient  servant, 

JOHN  HANCOCK,  Pres't. 
His  Excellency,  Gov.  LIVINGSTON. 


From  General  Winds  to  the  Legislature. 

Head  Quarters,  Elizabethtown,  June  16th,  1778. 
GENTLEMEN, — The  anxiety  I  feel  for  want  of  ammu 
nition  to  supply  the  militia,  should  any  quantity  be 
wanted  on  a  sudden  emergency,  may  be  much  easier 
conceived  than  described.  Permit  me  to  call  your 
attention  to  my  situation  for  a  few  hours.  I  flatter 
myself  your  time  will  not  be  misspent.  Here  I  am  on 
very  extensive  lines  with  a  small  body  of  men,  who 
(although  in  the  highest  spirits)  cannot  be  furnished 
with  six  rounds  of  ammunition,  while  the  enemy  are  in 
great  strength  on  Staten  Island.  And  it  is  not  im 
probable,  should  the  British  army  attempt  a  passage 
through  New  Jersey,  from  Philadelphia  to  New  York, 
that  our  neighbors  on  the  Island  may  make  a  diversion 


118         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1778. 

this  way,  but  should  not  this  be  the  case,  liable  as  we 
are  at  all  times  to  invasions,  when  the  enemy  are  in 
strength,  and  while  our  frontiers  produce  any  thing 
which  to  them  is  an  object  worth  attempting,  what 
consideration  ought  to  induce  us  to  remain  unprepared 
to  receive  them  ? 

I  have  the  fullest  confidence  in  the  bravery  of  the 
New  Jersey  militia,  and  besides  other  weighty  reasons 
for  my  repeated  applications  on  this  subject,  the  fear  of 
sacrificing  our  reputation  is  not  among  the  smallest. 
Permit  me  to  add  that  with  militia  it  is  impossible  to 
keep  secret  the  state  of  our  magazines,  and  it  is  not 
improbable  that  very  soon,  or  perhaps  even  now,  the 
enemy  know  our  situation,  and  in  case  of  an  invasion, 
or  the  passage  of  the  British  army  through  this  state,  I 
am  persuaded  the  militia  will  turn  out  cheerfully,  and 
in  large  numbers.  But  I  cannot  flatter  myself  in  the 
least  with  the  prospect  of  their  doing  any  thing  material 
without  ammunition.  I  rather  think  that  numbers 
without  so  necessary  an  article  will  only  be  disadvan 
tageous.  Not  in  the  least  doubting,  if  I  could  but 
engage  your  attention  to  so  serious  an  object  you  would 
grant  me  speedy  relief,  and  relying  on  your  answer 
by^the  return  of  the  bearer,  I  subscribe  myself 

Most  respectfully,  your  most  obe't  ser't, 

WILLIAM  WINDS. 

P.  S.     Lead  most  wanted. 
The    Hon.  the   Council   and    Gen'l  Assembly  of  the 

State  of  New  Jersey. 


1778.]       EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.     119 

From  Nathaniel  Scudder  to  the  Speaker  of  Assembly. 

Freehold,  July  13th,  1778. 

MY  DEAR  SIR, — I  do  myself  the  honor  to  address 
you  upon  an  affair  to  me  of  the  most  serious  and 
alarming  importance.  The  honorable  Council  and 
Assembly  of  this  state  have  not  thought  proper  to  invest 
their  delegates  with  power  to  ratify  and  sign  the  con 
federation,  and  it  is  obvious  that  unless  every  of  the 
thirteen  states  shall  accede  to  it  we  remain  an  uncon- 
federated  people.  These  states  have  actually  entered 
into  a  treaty  with  the  court  of  Versailles  as  a  confede 
rated  people,  and  Monsieur  Girard,  their  Ambassador 
Plenipotentiary  to  Congress  is  now  on  our  coast  with  a 
powerful  fleet  of  ships,  which  have  taken  a  pilot  on 
board  for  Delaware.  He  probably  may  be  landed  by 
this  time,  and  will  at  all  events  be  in  Philadelphia  in  a 
few  days.  How  must  he  be  astonished  and  confounded, 
and  what  may  be  the  fatal  consequences  to  America 
when  he  discovers  (which  he  will  immediately  do,)  that 
we  are  ipso  facto  unconfederated,  and  consequently 
what  our  enemies  have  called  us,  "a  rope  of  sand." 

Will  he  not  have  just  cause  to  resent  the  deception  ? 
and  may  not  insidious  Britain,  knowing  the  same,  take 
advantage  of  your  disunion  1  for  my  own  part  I  am  of 
opinion  she  will  never  desist  from  her  nefarious  designs, 
nor  ever  consider  her  attempts  upon  our  liberties 
fruitless  and  vain,  until  she  knows  the  golden  knot  is 
actually  tied.  I  left  Congress  last  Wednesday  eve 
ning.  The  affair  of  confederation  was  to  be  taken  up 


120       CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1778. 

next  day.  The  magna  charta  of  America  was  amply 
engrossed  and  prepared  for  signing.  Ten  states  had 
actually  authorized  their  delegates  to  ratify  :  a  delegate 
from  an  eleventh  (viz.  Georgia)  declared  he  was  so 
fully  possessed  of  the  sense  of  his  constituents,  that  he 
should  not  hesitate  to  subscribe  it.  New  Jersey  and 
Maryland  only  stood  it  out.  Mr.  Chase,  one  of  the 
delegates  from  that  state,  told  me  the  day  I  left  Phila 
delphia,  that  he  imagined  the  determination  of  Maryland 
would  depend  much  upon  that  of  New  Jersey,  and 
thought  if  our  state  should  accede,  theirs  would  also. 
He  therefore  concluded  to  go  immediately  down  and  try 
what  could  be  done.  I  at  the  same  time  assured  him 
I  would  write  you  on  the  subject  on  my  return. 

I  ought  to  inform  you,  sir,  that  theo  bjections  stated 
by  New  Jersey  wer  eread  and  considered  in  Congress, 
and  after  being  entered  at  large  on  their  minutes,  a 
question  was  taken  whether  Congress  at  that  time 
judged  it  expedient  to  take  up  the  said  objections  so  as 
to  admit  any  emendations  in  the  plan  of  confederation 
or  not  ?  and  it  passed  in  the  negative.  In  consequence 
of  which  they  remain  both  upon  the  journal  and  files 
to  be  taken  up  and  considered  at  any  future  time  when 
they  may  be  called  for.  I  expect  my  colleagues  will 
soon  address  you  on  this  subject.  I  left  Doct.  Wither- 
spoon,  Doct.  Elmer  and  Mr.  Boudinot  at  Philadelphia, 
whither  I  expect  to  return  in  a  few  days.  I  should 
have  been  much  more  uneasy  when  I  was  last  at 
Princeton,  and  should  have  taken  more  pains  to  con 
vince  the  members  of  the  necessity  of  granting  the 


1778.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.       121 

powers  of  ratification  to  their  delegates,  had  I  not  been 
encouraged  to  expect  that  the  Legislature  would  not 
rise  without  doing  it ;  at  the  same  time  supposing  the 
reason  why  they  withheld  at  that  juncture  to  be,  that 
their  objections  might  have  the  greater  weight  with 
Congress.  Indeed  I  all  along  expected  Doct.  Wither- 
spoon  would  have  brought  on  such  powers  with  him, 
especially  as  I  hoped  the  honorable  houses  would  be 
clearly  of  opinion  that  it  were  better  to  confederate 
under  all  the  disadvantages  they  apprehended,  than  that 
the  general  union  should  be  broken  or  even  greatly 
endangered. 

I  know  not  whether  I  ought  to  say  anything  respect 
ing  the  objections  themselves  :  some  of  them  are  per 
haps  not  very  essential.  The  obtaining  an  admission 
of  several  of  them  would  doubtless  be  of  great  local 
advantage  to  this  state  ;  but  every  state  must  expect  to 
be  subjected  to  considerable  local  disadvantages  in  a 
general  confederation.  Indeed  upon  the  whole  I  am 
fully  of  opinion  that  no  plan  can  or  will  ever  be  adopted 
more  equal  or  less  generally  injurious  to  the  confederated 
states  than  the  present.  I  also  declare  it  as  my  opinion 
that,  if  the  general  business  of  emendation  were  to  be 
fairly  taken  up  in  Congress  to-morrow,  several  altera 
tions  would  be  made  exceedingly  disadvantageous  to 
the  smaller  circumscribed  states,  and  which  perhaps 
might  more  than  counterbalance  the  obtaining  what  we 
apply  for.  As  to  the  grand  and  capital  objection 
respecting  the  lands,  &c.,  I  will  only  observe  that  in 
case  we  never  obtain  an  original  quota  of  them,  we 


122         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1778. 

shall  only  lose  a  share  in  the  prime  sale  of  them,  which 
will  probably  be  very  low,  while  we  shall  inevitably 
reap  a  permanent  and  increasing  benefit  from  the  rapid 
and  enormous  growth  of  the  larger  states  ;  for  surely 
in  proportion  to  their  extent  and  population,  their  quota 
of  the  public  expense  and  debt  will  be  increased,  while 
ours  will  be  proportionably  diminished.  What  avails 
it  therefore  to  us,  whether  five  pounds  of  our  national 
debt  be  paid  by  the  accession  of  a  subject  to  this  state, 
or  whether  our  quota  be  really  lessened  five  pounds  by 
the  settlement  of  a  person  in  the  state  of  Virginia  at 
the  distance  of  a  thousand  miles  from  the  Atlantic  1  for 
my  own  part,  I  think  we  shall  have  greatly  the  advan 
tage  of  these  enormous,  unwieldly  governments  ;  nor 
do  I  judge  it  unlikely  they  will  soon  find  it  neces 
sary  to  sue  for  the  curtailing  their  extravagant  juris 
diction. 

In  the  settlement  of  our  soldiery,  and  the  foreign 
deserters  at  the  expiration  of  the  war,  we  shall  incur 
considerable  disadvantage  ;  however,  as  the  larger  states 
will  doubtless  reioice  to  have  their  frontiers  immediately 
enlarged,  and  will  vie  with  each  other  in  courting  so 
great  an  accession  of  inhabitants,  there  will  probably  be 
no  greater  expense  than  barely  that  of  locating  the 
lands,  our  quota  of  which  cannot  be  any  very  consider 
able  sum. 

I  congratulate  you  on  the  signal  success  of  our  arms 
in  this  neighborhood  on  the  28th  of  June.  Great 
plunder  and  devastation  have  been  committed  among 
my  friends  in  this  quarter,  but  through  the  distinguish- 


1778.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  123 

ing  goodness  of  Providence,  my  family  and  property 
escaped,  and  that  almost  in  a  miraculous  manner. 

I  wish  you  to  take  the  above  representation  into  your 
serious  consideration,  and  if  with  me  you  shall  judge  it 
a  matter  of  sufficient  importance,  that  the  Legislature 
may  be  as  speedily  as  possible  convened  to  deliberate 
and  determine  thereon. 

I  arn,  dear  Sir,  with  great  esteem,  yonr  most  obed't 
h'ble  servant, 

NATH.  SCUDDER. 
Hon'ble  John  Hart,  Esq. 


Quarter-Master-General Pettit  to  General  Washington. 

Camp  White  Plains,  Sept.  10,   1778. 

SIR, — The  scarcity  of  Forage,  and  the  reluctance 
with  which  the  farmers  part  with  what  they  have  to 
spare,  has  for  some  time  past  filled  me  with  more  alarm 
ing  apprehensions  than  I  have  felt  on  account  of  any 
other  branch  of  the  Quarter-Master's  Department.  The 
necessary  consumption  of  forage,  not  only  in  and  about 
the  army,  but  from  the  numerous  teams  employed  in 
this  inland  transportation  of  provisions  and  stores,  has 
so  far  exhausted  the  resources  of  former  crops,  that 
every  farmer  in  the  middle  states  discerns  that  the 
demand  for  grain  is  equal  if  not  more  than  equal  to  all 
that  can  possibly  be  furnished,  and  of  course  that  the 
purchasers,  whether  for  public  or  private  use,  must  of 
necessity  pay  whatever  price  shall  be  insisted  on.  The 
discretion  of  each  individual  is  therefore  the  only  boun- 


124         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1778. 

dary  to  the  price  demanded.  Hence  we  find  it  impos 
sible  without  the  interposition  of  legislative  authority, 
to  adhere  steadily  to  any  fixed  price,  and  at  the  same 
time  obtain  the  necessary  supplies.  For,  although 
many  of  the  better  disposed  among  the  farmers  woiild 
be  willing  to  sell  their  forage  at  the  present  current 
prices,  if  they  were  not  apprehensive  their  more  ava 
ricious  neighbors  would  obtain  a  higher  price  for  theirs  i 
yet  while  they  see  prices  constantly  rising,  and  un 
bounded,  they  are  unwilling  to  preclude  themselves  from 
the  advantages  which  experience  has  taught  them  may 
be  obtained  by  withholding  their  commodities  from  the 
present  market.  This  increases  the  avidity  of  the  de 
mand,  and  of  course  obliges  the  purchaser  to  submit  to 
the  terms  imposed  by  the  seller. 

The  enormous  increase  of  the  public  expenditures, 
though  perhaps  the  greatest,  is  but  one  of  the  evils  which 
must  attend  the  permitting  the  prices  of  grain  to  continue 
rising  without  any  other  limitation  than  the  capricious 
discretion  of  the  sellers  of  it.  The  mischief  is  increased 
both  in  size  and  velocity  by  every  step  it  advances,  and 
must,  if  permitted  to  continue,  produce  the  most  disastrous 
consequences.  On  the  other  hand,  if  the  legislatures  of 
the  respective  states  will  give  us  their  aid  by  fixing  a  table 
of  prices  between  individuals  and  the  public,  and  estab 
lishing  a  legal  mode  as  well  for  the  obtaining  at  such 
prices  what  each  individual  can  spare,  as  for  ascertain 
ing  the  quantity  which  may  be  taken  in  case  of  dispute, 
— I  imagine  the  quantity  of  grain  in  the  country  will  be 
found  more  adequate  to  the  demand  than  present  ap- 


1778.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  125 

pearances  indicate.  From  the  scarcity,  whether  real 
or  artificial,  which  we  now  feel,  and  have  for  some 
time  past  experienced  in  the  states  northward  of  the 
Chesapeake  Bay,  we  have  been  under  a  necessity  of 
drawing  considerable  quantities  of  grain  from  Virginia, 
Maryland  and  Delaware ;  the  transportation  of  which 
not  only  enhances  the  price,  but  by  employing  more 
teams  in  the  public  service  increases  the  consumption. 
If,  therefore,  the  inhabitants  of  the  state  more  contigu 
ous  to  the  army,  could  be  induced  to  deliver  in  a  short 
time  what  they  can  with  propriety  spare,  it  would  not 
only  enable  us  to  form  our  magazines  in  due  season, 
but  might  authorize  us  to  relax  our  demand  in  the  dis 
tant  places  from  whence  supplies  are  transported  at  so 
great  an  expense. 

I  take  the  liberty  of  troubling  your  Excellency  with 
these  facts  and  observations,  together  with  a  letter  from 
Colonel  Biddle,  C.  G.  F.,  which  is  enclosed  herewith, 
confident  that  a  representation  of  the  matter  from 
your  excellency  to  the  legislatures  of  the  respective 
states,  either  immediately  or  through  Congress,  will  be 
the  most  likely  way  to  have  the  business  speedily  at 
tended  to,  and  to  procure  it  that  dispatch  which  its 
importance  demands. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  greatest  respect, 
your  excellency's  most  obedient  and  most  humble 
servant, 

CHA.PETTIT,  A.  Q.M.G. 
His  Excellency,  Gen.  WASHINGTON. 


126        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1778. 

Col.  Biddle  to  General  Pettit,  enclosed  in  the  foregoing. 

Camp  White  Plains,  Sept.  6,  1777. 

DEAR  SIR, — The  consumption  of  forage  is  so  great, 
and  the  distance  it  is  brought  subjects  to  so  many  delays 
and  disappointments  that  I  wish  to  fall  on  every  method 
that  will  be  most  likely  to  answer  a  certain  and  regular 
supply.  At  this  time  we  draw  considerable  quantities 
of  corn  and  oats  from  Virginia  and  Maryland,  by  the 
way  of  the  head  of  Elk,  to  Trenton,  and  thence  by 
land  to  this  camp.  The  same  from  the  Delaware  state  ; 
— and  these  supplies  must  be  continued  as  long  as 
the  season  will  permit,  the  middle  states  being  much 
drained.  However,  I  think  much  more  might  be  drawn 
from  Pennsylvania,  Jersey,  New  York,  and  Connecticut, 
if  the  legislatures  of  those  states  would  take  effectual 
measures  to  bring  out  their  hay  and  grain  for  the  use  of 
the  army,  and  we  shall  have  occasion  for  all  that  can 
possibly  be  spared  from  each  of  these  states,  to  subsist 
our  horses.  At  present,  New  Jersey  cannot  furnish  a 
sufficiency  to  forage  the  great  number  of  teams  passing 
through  there ; — although  the  gentleman  in  that  state  has 
as  much  interest  and  industry  as  any  one  in  it,  he 
complains  of  the  great  prices  demanded  ; — the  same 
complaint  from  my  agents  in  Pennsylvania,  New  York 
and  Connecticut,  and  all  agree  that  from  various  causes 
the  forage  is  not  brought  to  market. 

The  absence  of  the  militia  in  service  in  some  places 
has  been  one  cause  of  their  not  threshing,  and  in  many, 
the  expectation  of  a  rising  price  induces  them  to  keep 
it  back.  Some  measures  are  necessary  to  bring  them 


1778.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  127 

to  thresh  and  deliver  all  that  can  be  spared  for  the  use 
of  the  army.     The   limiting   a  generous  price,   beyond 
which  they  would  not  have  an  expectation  of  a  rise, 
would  have  a  good  effect ;  and  they  should  deliver  it  at 
the  season  in  which  it  is  most  wanted,  viz  ;  during  the 
fall,  winter,  and  spring.      Therefore,  I  would  propose, 
that  his   Excellency  Gen.  Washington,  should  be   in 
formed  of  this,  and  be  requested  to  write  to  the  different 
legislatures  to  take  the  most  effectual  measures  to  assist 
my  agents  in  the  different  districts  in  the  collection  of 
forage  by  limiting  the  prices  and  enforcing  a  delivery  of 
the  hay  and  grain  that  can  be  spared  at  stated  periods, 
also  in   furnishing   carriages,  to  haul  the  same  in  their 
respective  states,  to  such  places  as  it  may  be  wanted  in. 
If  the  prices  should  be  limited  from  Pennsylvania  to 
Connecticut  inclusive,  it  may  be  necessary  to  make  an 
application  to  the  legislatures  of  Delaware,  Maryland 
and  Virginia,  on  the  same  occasion,  as  the  conveniency 
of  water  carriage  from,  and  the  great  abundance  of  corn 
and  oats  in,  those  states,  as  well  as  the  insufficiency  of 
grain  ^in  others,  will  make  it  necessary  to  draw  regularly 
from  them. 

The  proposition  you  made  of  a  number  of  ox- teams, 
would  be  a  great  relief  if  they  could  be  procured,  as  the 
oxen  could  be  subsisted  on  grass,  and  a  very  little  hay ; 
in  the  winter  a  small  quantity  of  grain  would  be  neces 
sary.  I  submit  this  to  you ;  lay  such  part  of  it  as  you 
may  think  necessary  to  lay  before  the  general. 
And  am,  dear  Sir,  your  most  obedient  serv't, 

CLEMENT  BIDDLE,  C.  G.  F. 


128       CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1778. 

P.  S.     There  is  so  little  grain  threshed  in  this  and 
the  adjoining  states,  and  our  present  situation  requiring 
immediate  supplies,  there  is  no  time  to  be  lost  in  adopt 
ing  some  method  to  get  the  farmers  to  work. 
To  Col.  CHARLES  PETTIT,  A.  a.  M.  Gen'l. 


From  Governor  Livingston  to  the  Legislature. 

Princeton,  September  29th,  1778. 

GENTLEMEN, — I  herewith  lay  before  your  honorable 
House  copies  of  two  letters  from  Col.  Biddle  and 
Charles  Pettit,  Esqrs.,  upon  the  subject  of  forage, 
together  with  a  letter  from  his  Excellency,  General 
Washington  to  me,  accompanying  these  letters,  and 
declaring  his  perfect  conviction  that  the  Legislature 
of  this  state  will  be  forward  to  adopt  every  expedient 
that  may  seem  calculated  to  afford  the  smallest  relief  in 
this  interesting  and  essential  point.  The  subject,  gen 
tlemen,  is  of  such  importance  that  I  doubt  not  you  will 
give  it  your  serious  attention,  and  manifest  the  same 
zeal  in  the  common  cause  for  which  this  state  has 
hitherto  rendered  itself  remarkably  conspicuous. 

WIL.  LIVINGSTON. 


Jonathan  Elmer  to  the  Legislature. 

Philadelphia,  September  17th,  1778. 

GENTLEMEN, — Sensible  of  the  important  trust  reposed 
in  me,  and  the  honor  conferred,  in  appointing  me  one 
of  your  delegates  in  Congress  for  two  years  past,  I 


1778.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  129 

esteem  it  my  duty  to  embrace  this  opportunity  of  making 
my  sincere  acknowledgements. 

A  willingness  to  comply  with  your  requisition,  and  an 
earnest  desire  to  serve  my  country,  as  far  as  my  slender 
abilities  would  enable  me,  were  the  sole  motives  that 
induced  me  to  accept  of  the  appointment.  How  far  I 
have  answered  your  expectations  in  executing  the  trust, 
I  willingly  submit  to  your  candor  to  determine.  Permit 
me,  however,  to  assure  you  that  the  public  interest  and 
the  good  of  my  country,  particularly  of  the  state  which 
I  have  had  the  honor  of  representing,  have  constantly 
been  the  objects  of  my  attention.  I  hope  the  integrity 
of  my  conduct,  at  least,  will  meet  your  approbation. 

As  the  circumstances  of  my  family  and  private 
affairs,  render  it  impracticable  for  me  to  attend  Con 
gress  any  longer,  I  take  this  opportunity  of  acquainting 
the  hon'l  Council  and  Assembly  therewith,  and  of 
soliciting  leave  to  resign. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  gentlemen,  your  most  ob't  and 
hum.  s't,  JONATHAN  ELMER. 

Hon'l  Council  and  Assembly. 


From  Colonel  Holme  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Cumberland,  November  2d,  1778. 

DEAR  SIR,< — Inclosed  I  send  you  my  commission  as 
Col.  of  the  second  regiment  of  foot  militia  in  the  county 
of  Salem,  which  I  resign  for  the  following  reasons. 
First  place,  I  have  removed  from  Salem  county  to  Cum 
berland,  and  settled  myself  there,  which  makes  it  very 
9 


L30         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1778. 

inconvenient  for  me  to  attend  the  battalion.  Secondly, 
I  shall  expect  that  the  battalion  will  not  be  reconciled 
to  have  their  commander  an  inhabitant  of  another 
county.  Therefore  would  beg  your  Honor  and  the 
Joint  Meeting  to  accept  my  resignation,  and  your  com 
pliance  will  oblige 

Your  humble  serv't 

BENJ.  HOLME. 

His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON,  or  the  Governor 
for  the  time  being  of  New  Jersey. 

From  a  Committee  of  Congress  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  November  llth,  1778. 

SIR, — The  great  and  increasing  difficulties  in  the 
Quarter  Master  and  Commissary  General's  Depart 
ments  have  induced  Congress  to  adopt  the  resolution  of 
which  we  have  the  honor  to  transmit  you  a  copy. 
Among  the  measures  immediately  necessary  for  placing 
these  matters  on  a  proper  foundation,  is  the  acquiring  a 
knowledge  of  the  proper  resources  of  these  states. 
The  articles  of  consumption  which  we  would  most 
particularly  be  informed  of,  are  flour,  wheat,  rye,  barley, 
oats,  corn  and  rice,  beef,  pork,  working  oxen  and  horses, 
cider  and  vinegar.  The  ignorance  and  the  interests  of 
mankind  oppose  so  strongly  our  wishes  in  this  respect, 
that  after  every  effort  and  every  prudent  precaution,  our 
information  will  perhaps  be  of  far  less  importance  than 
could  be  wished.  It  is  however  our  duty  to  aim  at  it, 
and  we  have  no  reason  to  doubt  your  Excellency's 
concurrence  in  the  steps  necessary  to  attain  what  we 
have  in  view.  Especially  when  it  is  considered  how 


1778.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.       131 

readily  your  own  good  sense  will  dictate  the  impracti 
cability  of  continuing  the  war,  at  least  of  continuing  it 
to  advantage,  while  we  remain  supremely  ignorant  of 
the  supplies  our  country  is  capable  of  affording.  We 
have  to  intreat  that  your  Excellency,  from  your  knowl 
edge  of  the  productions  of  the  several  parts  of  your 
state,  would  appoint  some  proper  persons  in  whose 
industry  and  secrecy  you  can  confide,  to  make  proper 
lists  through  the  districts  you  shall  severally  allot  to 
them,  of  the  quantity  and  number  of  such  of  the 
articles  above  named  as  are  produced  in  it,  which  may 
probably  be  over  and  above  the  necessary  consumption 
of  the  inhabitants,  and  also  as  nearly  as  possible  the 
quantity,  &c.,  which  they  consume  over  and  above  their 
own  productions,  or  of  what  they  do  not  produce. 
We  hope  that  these  lists  may  be  transmitted  to  us  with 
all  convenient  speed,  to  the  end  that  proper  arrange 
ments  may  immediately  be  made  for  the  ensuing 
campaign.  Upon  transmitting  an  account  of  the 
expenses  which  may  accrue  in  this  business,  they 
shall  immediately  be  paid.  You  will  perceive,  sir,  that 
every  precaution  should  be  taken  to  prevent  this  object 
from  transpiring,  lest  as  on  many  former  occasions  the 

devoted   adherents   of should    make    a 

gain  of  the  public  distresses. 

We    are,   respectfully,    your  Excellency's    ob't    and 
h'ble  servants, 

NATH.  SCUDDER, 
GOUV.  MORRIS, 
WM.  WHIFFLE. 
Governor  of  New  Jersey. 


132         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1778- 

From  a  Committee  of  Congress  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  November  llth,  1778. 

SIR, — The  dangerous  practices  of  engrossers  have 
increased  so  rapidly  with  the  public  distresses,  and  have 
so  accumulated  them,  that  every  friend  to  this  country 
or  even  to  humanity,  cannot  but  wish  to  see  some 
remedy  to  an  evil  which  threatens  the  existence  not 
only  of  the  several  states,  but  of  the  poorer  part  of  the 
individuals  which  compose  them.  We  are  fully  sensible 
that  this  disease  should  be  touched  with  a  cautious  and 
with  a  delicate  hand,  but  at  the  same  time  we  confide 
in  the  wisdom  of  your  Legislature  for  this  delicacy  and 
caution.  We  do  not  pretend  to  mark  out  the  means 
which  they  should  adopt,  but  the  confidence  reposed  in 
us  by  Congress  demands  that  we  should  at  least  hint 
what  in  our  idea  may  conduce  to  this  valuable  purpose. 
The  articles  necessary  for  the  consumption  of  the  army 
are  easily  designated.  And  we  trust  there  will  not  be 
much  difficulty  in  distinguishing  between  the  dealer  in, 
or  manufacturer,  of  those  articles  and  the  engrosser,  or, 
as  he  would  call  himself,  the  speculator.  These  two 
objects  being  accomplished,  it  surely  cannot  be  deemed 
inconsistent  either  with  policy  or  justice  that  he  should 
be  obliged  to  part  with  them  to  the  public.  The  pro 
cess  necessary  for  this  purpose  must  depend  on  the  civil 
institutions  which  may  have  been  respectively  adopted, 
but  it  should  be  as  short  and  as  simple  as  is  consistent 
with  the  constitution  of  the  state.  One  thing  more  is 
necessary  to  complete  the  system,  namely  the  price,  if 


1778.]          EXECUTIVE   FROM  1776  TO  1786.  133 

this  is  such  as  to  leave  the  speculator  his  profit,  nothing 
more  is  operated  by  the  law  than  merely  to  sanctify  his 
unrighteous  gains.  If  the  price  be  fixed  by  law,  the 
efforts  now  making  to  render  our  money  valuable,  (and 
which  we  doubt  not  your  Legislature  will  assist  by 
heavy  taxes,)  will  only  tend  to  realize  what  he  hath 
already  accumulated.  Perhaps  a  power  lodged  some 
where  to  fix  the  market  price  monthly,  by  the  name  of 
assize,  and  a  deduction  from  it  of  about  twenty  per 
cent,  on  commodities  in  the  hands  of  engrossers,  would 
be  most  effectual.  This,  however,  and  every  thing  else 
we  have  mentioned,  is  submitted  to  your  wiser  con 
sideration. 

We  have  the  honor  to  be  your  Excellency's  most  ob't 
and  h'ble  servants, 

NATH.  SCUDDER, 
GOUV.  MORRIS, 
WM.  WHIFFLE. 
Governor  of  New  Jersey. 

From  a  Committee  of  Congress  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  November  llth,  1778. 

gIR? — Permit  us  to  call  your  attention  for  a  moment 
to  the  detection  and  punishment  of  a  crime  against  the 
public.  Persons  in  office  under  the  continent  have  as 
we  are  informed,  used  the  monies  entrusted  to  them  in 
the  engrossing  of  articles  upon  the  public.  This  seeth 
ing  of  the  kid  in  its  mother's  milk  calls  for  the  most 
exemplary  punishment.  We  pray  that  you  will  urge 


134         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1778. 

the  Legislature  of  your  state  to  pass  laws  for  the  prose 
cution  and  punishment  of  offenders  of  this  kind  in 
future,  and  that  in  the  interim  your  Excellency  will 
cause  any  who  may  in  your  state  be  guilty  of  the  like 
crimes  to  be  secured  for  trial  in  safe  and  close  custody. 
We  are,  respectfully,  your  Excellency's  most  ob't  and 
humble  servants, 

NATH.  SCUDDER, 
GOUV.  MORRIS, 
WM.  WHIFFLE. 


P.  Scull,  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  War,  to  Governor 
Livingston. 

War  Office,  December  2d,  1778. 

SIR, — Your  Excellency's  letter  of  the  25th  ultimo  to 
Congress  has  been  referred  to  this  board  ;  and  they  now 
direct  me  to  inform  you  that  it  must  have  been  occa 
sioned  by  mistake  or  inattention  in  the  affairs,  that  your 
troops  were  not  furnished  with  an  equal  quantity  of 
clothing  with  the  rest  of  the  army.  A  greater  propor 
tion  of  coats,  vests  and  breeches  than  will  supply  the 
whole  army  has  been  forwarded  to  Springfield,  in  Mas 
sachusetts  ;  and  the  troops  from  your  state  could  have 
drawn  those  articles,  and  were  entitled  to  at  least  a 
dividend  of  such  as  proved  deficient.  His  Excellency, 
General  Washington,  has  informed  the  board  that  he 
will  give  directions  about  the  delivery  of  clothing ;  and 
if  the  commanding  officer  in  Jersey  will  make  out  the 


1779.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.          135 

necessary  returns,  there  is  no  doubt  but  they  will  be 
complied  with  on  application  to  head  quarters. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  greatest  respect 
your  Excellency's  most  obed't  ser't, 

P.  SCULL,  Secy'. 
His  Excellency,  Gov'r  LIVINGSTON. 

From  Chief  Justice  Symmes  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Morristown,  January  7,  1779. 

SIR, — I  beg  leave  to  lay  before  your  Excellency,  and 
the  honorable  gentlemen  of  the  Council,  the  business  of 
the  state  that  came  before  me  in  the  late  Circuit,  in  the 
counties  of  Hunterdon  aoid  Cumberland,  which  was 
capital ;  recommending  to  the  clemency  and  grace  of 
your  honor  those  miserable  subjects  who  are  under  sen 
tence  of  death. 

In  the  county  of  Gloucester  there  is  Jonathan  Chew 
condemned  for  high  treason;  he  was  convicted  by  jury. 
I  take  it  that  he  was  disaffected  from  the  beginning  of 
the  troubles,  and  joined  the  enemy  at  their  coming  to 
Billingsport,  and  acted  as  a  captain  among  them.  The 
charges  laid  against  him  in  the  indictment  of  levying 
war  and  adhering  to  the  enemies  of  the  state  was  well 

o 

supported,  and  I  cannot  think  there  is  any  equitable 
circumstance  in  his  favor,  either  as  matter  of  law  or 
fact.  But  the  following  considerations  may  perhaps 
plead  for  him  with  your  honors  for  a  pardon. 

1.  He  is  a  very  weak  man  in  his  understanding. 

2.  He  has  a  family  of  twelve  children,  that  must  be 


136         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1779. 

objects  of  charity  if  their  friend  is  taken  away,  and 
they  have  no  property  left. 

3.  It  appeared  in  the  Court  that  he  was  humane,  and 
inclined  to   distress    the   inhabitants  that  were  in  his 
power  as  little  as  possible,  in  person  or  property. 

4.  He  left  the  enemy  after  they  had  retreated  through 
Jersey,  and  came  home  and  threw   himself  in  the  way 
of  justice. 

Harrison  Wells,  who  traversed  his  indictment  for 
levying  war  against  the  states,  and  adhering  to  its 
enemies,  and  convicted  thereon.  I  believe  that  Mr. 
Wells  was  a  Whig  at  the  beginning;  he  was  in  the 
militia  and  behaved  well.  But  I  cannot  say  there  was 
any  equitable  circumstance  appeared  (touching  law  or 
fact)  on  his  trial  that  can  operate  in  his  favor ;  but 
perhaps  the  following  considerations  may  incline  your 
honors  to  pardon  him  : 

1.  He  was  undoubtedly  over-persuaded  by  Mr.  John 
Hinchman,  who  had  been  his  guardian,  to  go  and  join 
the  enemy,  which  at  length  he  did  with  some  reluctance, 
being  partly  in  compliance  to  Mr.  Hinchman's  advice, 
and  partly  because  he  was  threatened  by  the  militia. 

2.  When  with  the  enemy  he  was  offered  a  Lieuten 
ant's  Commission,  which  he  refused. 

3.  It  appeared   that    he  early   wished    to    make  his 
peace  with  his  country  by  desiring  to  surrender  himself, 
but  found  the  popular  clamor  so  much  against  him  that 
he  dare  not  do  it ;  and  his  house  was  contiguous  to  the 
enemy. 

4.  When  the  enemy  left  Philadelphia,  he  surrendered 


1779.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.          137 

himself  at  Haddonfield,  to  the  law,  refusing  to  march 
with  the  enemy.     He  appears  very  penitent. 

Besides  Chew  and  Wells,  there  are  fifteen  others 
condemned  for  high  treason  against  the  state ;  viz  : 
William  Hammet,  John  Dilks,  John  Franklin,  James 
Birch,  Joseph  Pratt,  Joseph  Dill,  Abraham  Fennimore, 
Joshua  Dilks,  Christopher  String,  Daniel  Fussman, 
Lawrence  Cox,  David  Lloyd,  Thomas  Nightingale, 
Paterson  Cook,  and  Isaac  Lord ;  who,  after  having 
proper  time  allowed  them  to  consider  of  a  plea,  seve 
rally  pleaded  guilty  to  their  indictments,  which  has  pre 
vented  the  Court  from  having  their  causes  investigated 
before  them ;  and  I  must  own  that  as  to  by  far  the  greater 
part  of  them,  I  know  nothing  of  the  nature  of  their 
guilt,  or  what  favorable  circumstances  there  may  be  in 
their  cases,  only  as  they  were  charged  in  their  indict 
ments  and  pleaded  guilty  ;  but  as  to  William  Hammet, 
I  believe  there  is  as  little  to  be  said  in  his  favor  as  to 
any  of  them.  I  should  be  exceeding  happy,  were  your 
honors  of  opinion  there  was  no  occasion  of  farther 
examples  in  cases  of  high  treason  ;  that  our  laws  and 
government  were  sufficiently  established,  and  that  noth 
ing  remained  but  to  forgive.  But  as  I  think  these 
things  matters  of  some  doubt,  I  hope  your  honors  will 
not  receive  it  ill  of  me  if  I  proceed  to  say,  that  were 
the  question  put  to  me,  Who  shall  die  ?  I  should  be  in 
clined  to  say,  William  Hammet.  My  reasons  are,  First. 
because  he  was  formerly  apprehended  and  sent  to  your 
Excellency  and  the  Council  of  Safety,  charged  with 
similar  offences  against  his  country,  and  notwithstand- 


138         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1779. 

ing  the  Honorable  Council  of  Safety  were  pleased  to 
suffer  him  to  return  home,  he  went  immediately  and 
joined  the  enemy.  Secondly,  he  was  a  daring  offender 
while  with  the  enemy,  and  may  be  so  again.  Thirdly, 
he  was  taken  while  in  the  service  of  the  enemy,  and 
has  at  no  time  since,  (if  I  am  rightly  instructed,)  ex 
pressed  himself  a  friend  to  the  state,  as  most  of  the 
others  have  ;  but  he  has  frequently  wished  to  be  sent  to 
the  enemy  again  ;  and  I  think  the  probability  is  against 
him  that  he  joins  them  if  discharged.  Fourthly,  he 
has  no  family  that  must  suffer  by  his  death,  as  many  of 
the  others  have ;  and  in  making  up  my  mind  on  this 
subject,  I  think  I  am  warranted  in  some  measure  by  the 
opinion  of  Judge  Blackstone,  where  he  speaks  of  the 
necessity  of  human  punishments. 

There  is  also  one  *  *  *  *  *  *  convicted  in 
Gloucester  county  for  burglary  and  robbery.  I  believe 
he  thought  the  person  whom  he  robbed,  a  tory,  and  that 
by  the  custom  of  the  times,  conceived  he  had  a  perfect 
right  to  plunder  him.  He  appears  very  penitent,  and 
has  been  a  brave  soldier  in  the  American  army.  In 
the  county  of  Cumberland  there  is  one  capital  con 
viction,  and  that  is  *  *  *  *  *  *  *.  for  an  highway  rob 
bery.  He  was  convicted  by  jury.  There  is  an  appear 
ance  of  equity  in  this  man's  case.  The  party  robbed, 
who  was  the  principal  witness  against  him,  was  proved 
to  be  a  tory,  and  a  person  of  very  ill  fame  ;  but  I  must 
own  I  am  inclined  to  think  the  man  was  actually 
robbed.  The  Court  have,  however,  thought  proper  to 
recommend  him  for  pardon,  as  your  honors  will  see  by 
the  petition  in  his  favor. 


1779.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  139 

I  have  the  honor  to  inclose  to  jour  Excellency  and 
the  gentlemen  of  the  Council,  all  the  papers  relative  to 
the  prisoners  that  have  fallen  into  my  hands.  I  hope 
they  will  not  prove  altogether  useless.  I  was  not  pre 
sent  at  Salem  when  any  capital  case  came  before  the 
Court.  I  hope  his  honor  the  Chief  Justice  will  point 
out  to  your  honors  those  matters  in  which  I  am  defi 
cient,  as  he  presided  at  Gloucester,  during  the  trials  of 
Chew  and  Wells,  and  was  alone  at  Salem  when  the 
capital  trials  came  on  there. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  honorable  gentlemen,  with 
great  esteem,  your  humble  servant, 

JOHN  CLEVES  SYMMES. 
His  Excellency,  the  GOVERNOR. 


From  Colonel  Biddle  to  Governor  Livingston 

Princeton,  January  14,   1779. 

SIR, — In  my  letter  of  the  1st  inst,  I  had  the  honor 
to  inclose  you  a  resolve  of  Congress,  of  the  30th  No 
vember,  relative  to  the  Forage  Department ;  a  copy  of 
which  I  now  send  to  you. 

The  scarcity  of  forage  is  very  great,  and  to  lessen 
the  consumption  we  have  sent  upwards  of  2000  horses 
from  the  army  into  Pennsylvania,  and  shall  retain  no 
more  than  are  actually  necessary  within  the  camp.  I 
have  given  orders  to  forward  a  considerable  quantity  of 
grain  from  the  westward  and  southward  by  water  to 
Trenton  as  soon  as  the  Delaware  opens,  and  I  have 


140       CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1779. 

good  information  that  I  may  depend  upon  considerable 
supplies  by  that  channel. 

But  such  is  our  present  situation,  that  we  must  rely 
chiefly  on  this  state  to  subsist  our  horses  until  the  open 
ing  of  the  river,  and  it  is  with  the  greatest  difficulty  we 
can  keep  them  alive. 

I  have  therefore  to  request  that  your  Excellency  in 
council,  will  please  to  give  your  aid  and  advice  for 
drawing  forth  all  the  forage  that  can  be  spared  from 
every  part  of  this  state  ;  and  I  beg  leave  to  suggest  that 
a  recommendation  to  the  magistrates  to  carry  into  exe 
cution  in  their  several  districts,  the  law  for  impressing 
forage  would  have  a  very  good  effect.  But  I  submit 
to  your  wisdom  to  give  such  relief  as  to  you  may  appear 
most  likely  to  answer  the  end. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  greatest  respect, 
your  Excellency's  most  obedient  and  very  humble 
servant, 

CLEMENT  BIDDLE. 
His  Excellency,  Gov.  LIVINGSTON. 


From  a    Committee  of  Congress  on  the  Commy  and 
Q.  M.  Department  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  January  19,  1779. 

SIR, — We  did  ourselves  the  honor  to  write  to  your 
Excellency  the  llth  of  November  last  on  the  subject 
of  engrossing.  Permit  us  to  call  your  attention  once 
more  to  that  subject.  The  evils  feared,  when  that  letter 
was  written,  now  rapidly  approach,  and  the  letter  from 


1779.]          EXECUTIVE  F§OM  1776  TO  1786.  141 

the  commissary-general,  of  which  we  enclose  a  copy, 
gives  us  the  most  alarming  apprehensions.  The  wis 
dom  of  the  state  you  preside  over  and  your  own  exer 
tions  will  not,  we  are  confident,  be  wanting  to  prevent 
the  mischiefs  arising  from  that  insatiable  thirst  of  gain 
which  knows  neither  principle  or  bound. 

We  will  not  insult  your  good  sense  by  dwelling  upon 
this  painful  topic.  Your  knowledge  of  the  cause,  and 
prudential  foresight  of  the  effects  will  doubtless  stimu 
late  you  to  every  measure  which  you  shall  deem  neces 
sary  for  the  public  service. 

GOUV.  MORRIS, 
WM.  WHIPPLE. 
Governor  of  New  Jersey. 


From  John  Fell  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  March  25,  1779. 

DEAR  SIR, — I  cannot  help  complaining  to  your  Ex 
cellency  of  the  behavior  of  some  of  the  delegates  from 
our  state,  which^is  not  only  disgraceful  to  the  state,  but 
in  my  humble  opinion,  treating  me  with  the  greatest 
impoliteness  ;  they  take  upon  them  to  leave  Congress 
when  they  please  and  without  leave,  by  which  the 
state  in  course  is  not  represented.  Last  Saturday 
Dr.  Witherspoon  went  home  without  ever  saying  one 
word  to  me  on  the  occasion,  and  this  day  Colonel 
Frelinghuysen  went  away  in  the  same  manner. 

No  man  has  the  service  of  his  country  more  at  heart 
than  I  have  ;  but  then  I  should  choose  to  be  treated  in 


142       CORRESPONDENCE    OF    TfcE    NEW    JERSEY         [1779. 

such  manner  as  I  think  I  have  a  right  to  as  a  gentle 
men.  And  I  am  certain  such  treatment  from  my  col 
leagues  cannot  be  deemed  in  that  line.  Therefore  I 
request  it  as  a  £avor,  that  I  may  not  be  treated  in  like 
manner  in  future  ;  to  make  my  stay  here  so  exceedingly 
disagreeable. 

I  received  a  letter  this  week  from  hon'l  Mr.  Scudder^ 
dated  13th  inst.,  he  wrote  me  he  expected  to  be  here  in 
about  six  weeks  from  that  date.  When  Dr.  Scuclder 
comes  I  hope  your  Excellency  will  have  no  objection  to 
my  paying  a  visit  to  my  family  for  a  short  time.  As  I 
have  engaged  to  serve  the  state  for  the  time  of  my 
appointment  I  undoubtedly  shall  do  it,  to  the  best  of  my 
power  and  ability.  However,  I  hope  the  honorable 
Assembly  will  pay  some  regard  to  the  increase  of  pay 
for  my  service,  as  every  kind  of  expense  has  advanced 
in  this  city  upwards  of  50  per  cent,  since  my  appoint 
ment.  It  is  with  great  reluctance  I  am  under  the 
disagreeable  necessity  to  mention  a  circumstance  of  this 
kind,  but  my  private  fortune  has  suffered  so  much  from 
the  great  losses  I  have  met  with,  as  well  as  my  long, 
cruel  captivity,  that  I  shall  not  be  able  to  support  the 
extraordinary  expense  long.  I  am  certain  there  is  no 
member  in  Congress  does  more  duty  than  I  do.  Every 
morning  at  the  commercial  committee,  afterwards  at 
Congress,  and  three  stated  nights  in  a  week  at  the 
marine  committee,  besides  occasional  committees  ;  in 
short,  there  has  been  very  few  nights  this  winter  that  I 
have  not  been  engaged  in  business.  And  not  to  be 
able  to  live  in  the  manner  I  have  ever  been  used  to, 


1779.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  143 

without  spending  my  own  money  as  well  as  time,  is 
rather  too  unreasonable  for  the  public  to  desire  of  any 
individual. 

I  was  exceedingly  happy  to  hear  you  were  from  home 
when  the  enemy  came  to  pay  you  a  visit  ;  as  I  am 
certain  you  are  not  one  of  those  gentlemen  who  they 
have  the  greatest  regard  for.  I  should  imagine  Princeton 
or  Trenton  would  be  a  much  more  eligible  place  for 
your  residence  than  Elizabethtown.  Your  being 
taken,  besides  the  many  disagreeable  circumstances  of 
being  a  prisoner,  would  be  of  the  utmost  bad  conse 
quence,  as  I  know  of  no  person  in  our  possession  that 
you  could  be  exchanged  for ; — however  the  subject  is 
too  melancholy  to  dwell  on. 

I  have  the   honor  to   be,   with  great  respect,   your 
Excellency's  most  humble  servant, 

JOHN  FELL. 
His  Excellency,  Gov.  LIVINGSTON. 


Me/fiorial  of  the  Officers  of  the  Jersey  Brigade  to  the 
Legislature, 

To  the  Honorable  the  Legislative  Council  and  General 

Assembly  of  the  state  of  New  Jersey. 

It  is  with  great  reluctance  that  the  officers  of  the 
Jersey  brigade  undertake  to  address  you. 

They  had  reason  to  expect  that  you  would  (from 
principles  of  justice  as  well  as  necessity)  before  this 
time  have  taken  such  measures  as  would  have  rendered 
it  unnecessary,  but  the  circumstances  of  your  troops 


144         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1779. 

have  become  such  that  it  would  now  be  criminal  to  be 
silent.  The  Legislature  need  not  be  informed  that  our 
pay  is  now  only  nominal,  not  real,  that  four  months' 
pay  of  a  private  will  not  procure  his  wretched  wife 
and  children  a  single  bushel  of  wheat.  The  situation 
of  your  officers  is  worse.  The  pay  of  a  Colonel  of 
your  regiments  will  not  purchase  the  oats  for  his  horse, 
nor  will  his  whole  day's  pay  procure  him  a  single 
dinner.  A  common  laborer  or  an  express  rider  receives 
four  times  as  much  as  he.  It  would  be  superfluous  for 
us  to  point  out  all  our  grievances,  they  are  many,  they 
are  great,  they  are  known  to  you.  It  is  therefore  a 
duty  we  owe  our  country,  a  duty  we  owe  ourselves,  to 
inform  you  in  the  most  plain  and  unambiguous  terms, 
that  unless  a  speedy  and  ample  remedy  be  provided,  the 
total  dissolution  of  your  troops  is  inevitable.  The 
spirit  of  desertion  has  already  taken  place,  and  has  risen 
to  the  most  alarming  height.  Combinations  of  large 
parties  to  desert  are  almost  every  day  discovered,  and 
the  utmost  vigilance  of  the  officers  is  not  able  to 
prevent  it. 

The  soldiers  estimate  the  money  truly,  by  what  it 
will  purchase.  They  have  frequently  been  heard  to 
say  "that  it  was  true  British  pay  was  very  small,  but 
notwithstanding,  two  days'  pay  would  purchase  a  quart 
of  rum,  and  with  us  a  month's  pay  would  not  more 
than  do  it. 

In  the  year  1776  the  pay  of  the  officers  and  soldiers 
afforded  no  more  than  a  scanty  subsistence.  Since 
that  period  the  currency  has  depreciated  in  most  articles 


1779.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  145 

of  life  more  than  two  thousand  per  cent.  Are  we  then 
to  risk  our  lives  in  the  field  of  battle,  to  submit  to  all 
the  inconveniences  of  a  camp  life,  to  be  deprived  of 
the  sweets  of  domestic  happiness,  and  subsist  upon  one 
twentieth  part  of  a  sufficiency  ? 

Congress,  seeing  the  enormous  rise  of  the  necessaries 
of  life,  so  long  ago  as  December,  1777,  recommended 
to  the  several  states  to  provide  all  necessary  clothing 
for  their  officers  and  soldiers  at  prices  proportioned  to 
their  pay.  We  had  examples  of  the  states  both  of  the 
southward  and  eastward  complying  with  this  resolution, 
and  in  many  instances  exceeding  it. 

That  your  troops  are  less  brave,  or  have  done  less 
duty  than  any  troops  in  the  union,  is  a  position  that 
none  have  been  hardy  enough  to  advance,  and  why 
they  should  be  so  long  neglected  is  a  problem  in  politics 
hard  to  be  explained. 

Pennsylvania  has  lately  passed  some  resolves  in  favor 
of  her  troops.  Maryland  has  adopted  the  same  ; — some 
other  states  have  done  more,  but  none  of  them  have 
done  enough. 

o 

The  families  of  officers  and  soldiers  should  some 
way  be  provided  for.  If  our  pay  was  in  Spanish 
milled  dollars  (and  that  was  the  contract  between  Con 
gress  and  us)  we  could  provide  for  them ;  we  therefore 
neither  ask  nor  wish  for  more  than  a  compliance 
with  the  original  contract. 

Pay  us  in  Spanish  milled  dollars  or  give  us  an  equiv 
alent,  and  our  complaints  shall  instantly  cease. 

Elizabethtown,  April  17th,  1779. 
10 


146         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1779. 


1st  Regiment. 


W.  Ogden,  Col. 
Davd.  Brearley,  Lt.  Col 
Danl.  Piatt,  Major. 
Jona.  Forman,  Capt. 
Giles  Mead,  Capt. 
Alex.  Mitchel,  Capt. 
P.  V.  Voorhies,  Capt. 
John  Holmes,  Capt. 
Aaron  Ogden,  Capt. 
A.  Wm.  Pratt,  Lt. 
Cyrus  DeHart,  Lieut. 


Jno.  Howell,  Lieut. 
Wm.  Barton,  Lt. 
Ab.  Martin,  Lt. 
Ephm.  Whitlock,  Lieut. 
C.  Lott,  Lt. 

Jonathan  Snowden,  Lt. 
Absalom  Bonham,  Lt. 

Silas ,  Lt. 

Jno.  Bishop,  Ens'n. 
Wm.  M.  Barnet,  Surg. 


2d  Regiment. 


Wm.  DeHart,  Lt.  Col. 

R.  Howell,  Major. 
Jno.  Hollingshead,  Capt. 
Jno.  N.  Cummings,  Capt. 
Sam.  Reading,  Capt. 
Jonth.  Phillips,  Capt. 
Saml.  Henry,  Capt. 


Elias  Dayton,  Col. 
F.  Barber,  Lt.  Col. 
John  Con  way,  Major. 
Jno.  Ross,  Capt. 
W.  Gifford,  Capt. 
Jer.  Ballard,  Capt. 
Jos.  T.  Anderson,  Capt. 
Seth  Johnson,  Capt. 


Nathl.  Bowman,  Capt. 
Wm.  Helms,  Capt. 

Sam. . 

Abm.  Appleton,  Lieut. 
Saml.  Shute,  Lt. 
Ben.  Osmun,  Lt. 


3d  Regiment. 


Jonathan  Dayton,  Lt. 
Nathl.  Leonard,  Lt. 
Edmund  D.  Thomas,  Jun. 
Eph.  Darby,  Lt. 
Sam.  L.  Shippard,  Lt. 
John  Reed,  Lt. 
Jno. . 


From  General  Maxwell  to  the  Legislature. 

Elizabethtown,  April  25th,  1779. 

GENTLEMEN, — I  have  written  or  waited  on  you  at 
every  time  of  your  sitting  for  two  years  past,  or  per 
mitted  officers  to  wait  on  you  as  a  close  attention  to 


1779.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  147 

my  duty  would  permit  me,  with  a  design  to  draw  your 
attention  to  the  distresses  of  the  officers  or  soldiers  of 
your  brigade.     I  suppose  by  this  time  I  shall  be  thought 
troublesome  by  some,   but   however   some   individuals 
may  think  of  the  matter,  yet  so  long  as  I  am  honored 
with  my  present  station  I  shall  look  on  it  as  my  duty  to 
represent   to  your  honorable  house  every  grievance  I 
find  among  your  troops  or  even  amongst  your  inhabit 
ants  within  the  district  of  my  command.     With  respect 
to  the  distresses  of  your  troops  I  have  no  doubt  they 
are    visible    to   the    meanest   capacity  in  the   country. 
They  have  been  so  shamefully  neglected  by  the  Legis 
lature  of  the   state    that  I  am  nowT  at  a   loss  how  to 
address  on  the  subject  ;   a  state  who  claims  credit  with 
any  of  her  sister  states  of  her  size  on  the  continent,  in 
turning  out  her  equal  number  of  militia  as  well  as  con 
tinental  troops,  on  all  occasions,  for  the  defence  of  our 
rights  and  privileges;  and  that  their  military  prowess  has 
equally  gained   credit  with   their  alertness,  is  what   I 
believe  none  will  deny.     I  say  after  all  these  circum 
stances  in   favor    of  the    troops  of  the   state  of  New 
Jersey,  is  it  not  strange  the  Legislature  should  not  think 
them  worthy  of  their  notice  or  care  when  brought  to 
the  field ;  incredible  as  it  may  seem,  it  is  certainly  true, 
to   such  a  length   has   the   neglect  and  injustice  been 
carried  that  had  any  private  person  attempted  to  treat 
his  servant   in    such   a   manner,  the   law  of  the   state 
would  have  found  such  servant  ample  redress.     I  will 
give  a  few  instances  on  the  contract  by  way  of  example, 
viz.  when  the  soldier  and  officer  engaged  to  serve  the 


148         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1779. 

state  or  continent,  a  continental  dollar  was  worth  a 
Spanish  silver  dollar,  and  would  have  bought  equally 
as  much  of  any  article  the  officer  or  soldier  wanted  to 
purchase ;  now  those  very  people  whose  servants  these 
officers  and  soldiers  are,  will  require  now  for  some 
articles  of  their  own  manufacture  or  raising  near 
twenty  continental  dollars  for  what  one  silver  one 
would  have  purchased  then,  and  in  some  other  articles 
much  more.  Where  is  the  justice  or  equity  of  this  pro 
ceeding  1  None  I  presume  can  be  offered.  Shall  we 
then  expect  less  justice  from  the  legislators  of  our  state 
than  from  private  persons  ?  I  hope  not.  Therefore  I 
make  no  doubt  you  will  immediately  set  about  making 
ample  recompense  for  the  injustice  done  your  troops  in 
time  past,  and  a  sufficient  subsistence  for  them  for  the 
time  to  come.  I  make  no  doubt  you  will  instantly  set 
about  doing  your  troops  justice,  therefore  I  beg  leave  to 
give  you  my  sentiments  on  your  mode  of  doing  it.  1 
would  not  have  you  to  copy  after  Pennsylvania  entirely, 
although  they  deserve  great  credit  for  what  they  have 
done,  considering  the  quantity  of  back  water  their 
wheels  of  government  have  to  force  their  way  through. 
I  would  not  have  you  to  furnish  your  troops  with 
muscovado  sugar  at  3s.  9d.  per  lb.,  above  five  times  its 
former  value  when  we  entered  the  service,  nor  common 
tea  at  12  shillings  per  lb.,  above  twice  its  value,  and 
other  things  in  proportion  ;  nor  with  one  suit  of  clothes 
in  the  year  at  the  old  prices,  when  the  value  of  two 
suits  in  clothes  will  scarcely  serve.  I  would  have  you 
to  furnish  them  with  such  articles  and  necessaries  as 


1779.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  149 

they  may  think  suitable  for  them,  equal  to  their  full  pay 
at  the  time  and  prices  when  they  entered  the  service. 
This  I  call  justice  and  no  compliment :  if  you  fail  in  any 
article  of  this  by  not  having  it  in  your  power  to  get  it, 
you  must  make  ample  amends  in  something  else  that  is 
suitable.  Pay  your  military  as  you  ought  to  do,  and 
you  may  expect  their  labor,  yea,  I  say  command  it.  It 
is  useless  for  you  to  say  you  are  not  able  to  pay  in  full 
value.  I  ask  pardon,  I  know  better  ;  your  merchants 
and  farmers  never  were  so  rich  in  this  world  before.  I 
cannot  say  what  provision  they  have  laid  up  for  the 
other  world,  but  if  we  are  to  judge  by  the  old  rules 
"  to  lay  up  treasures  in  heaven,  such  as  charity,  virtue, 
public  spiritedness,  &c.  &c.,"  I  think  they  have  not  put 
much  in  that  bank  lately,  it  is  likely  they  intend  it  when 
the  hard  money  comes  in  use.  The  farmer  as  well  as 
the  merchant  is  come  to  knowledge  that  every  thing  is 
worth  what  it  will  bring,  and  notwithstanding  he  knows 
that  the  security  of  his  property  and  privileges  has  cost 
the  soldier  dear  in  heats,  colds,  thirsting,  hunger  and 
watching,  yet  they  will  make  no  scruple  to  strip  him  of 
his  month's  pittance  for  a  day's  subsistance  and  the  other 
for  a  toy.  Charity  will  not  carry  any  of  them  further 
than  a  drink  of  cold  water,  which  shows  the  absolute 
necessity  of  the  officers  and  soldiers  having  a  decent 
subsistence  to  support  them  according  to  the  custom  of 
the  times,  without  trusting  to  charity.  I  believe  it  will 
hardly  be  denied  that  the  soldiers  have  been  the  last  of 
the  community  who  have  given  up  their  liying  on  honor 
and  virtue,  they  stood  firmly  to  it  till  many  thousands 


150       CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1779. 

perished  that  would  now  have  been  in  the  land  of  the 
living  had  they  been  taken  proper  care  of,  and  which 
was  in  the  power  of  the  states  to  have  done.  Falstaff 
justly  says  that  "  honor  will  not  clothe  a  man's  back, 
nor  fill  his  belly,  nor  in  end  a  broken  leg  or  arm,"  there 
fore  one  good  turn  must  deserve  another,  and  that  in 
such  a  manner  that  no  misconstruction  can  be  put  on 
its  value. 

As  to  your  making  some  provision  for  your  servants 
that  are  rendered  unfit  for  further  service,  or  to  those 
who  have  been  brought  up  to  no  other  business,  or  for 
the  widows  or  orphans  of  those  brave  men  who  have 
fallen  in  your  service,  humanity  must  dictate  that 
some  provision  be  made  for  them.  I  know  I  could  not 
suffer  an  old  dog  to  perish  for  want  who  had  served  me 
faithfully,  if  I  had  it  in  my  power  to  serve  him.  It  is 
well  known  that  the  pay  of  the  British  army  was 
established  above  two  hundred  years  ago,  and  that  the 
officers'  and  soldiers'  pay  was  then  honorable  and  gen 
erous,  but  since  that  time  the  money  has  depreciated  in 
its  value,  at  least  as  three  to  one,  owing  to  its  increase 
in  quantity :  it  is  also  well  known  that  no  officer  in 
the  British  service  under  the  rank  and  pay  of  Captain 
can  support  himself  on  his  pay  but  by  the  greatest  par 
simony,  or  from  his  private  fortune  or  friends,  and  from 
the  Captain  upwards  their  pay  is  no  more  than  a.  decent 
support,  therefore  as  the  public  have  taken  them  into 
their  service  and  has  not  thought  proper  to  allow  them 
more  than  a  bare  subsistence,  it  was  reasonable  to 
expect  that  some  support  would  be  provided  for  them 


1779.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.       151 

by  the  public  when  they  were  old  or  disabled,  or  to 
those  whose  services  may  be  wanted  in  future,  as  well 
as  to  widows  and  orphans.  It  is  well  known  that  the 
pay  of  our  troops  (the  officers  I  mean)  has  never  been 
as  high  in  continental  currency  as  the  British  officers' 
is  in  sterling,  therefore  would  I  imagine  that  we  are 
entitled  to  equal  recompense  at  the  end  of  the  war  with 
them.  However,  in  this  case  I  would  recommend  it  to 
you  to  copy  after  that  kingdom  or  state  whose  discipline 
you  think  the  most  perfect.  You  have  plenty  to  make 
your  choice  from.  Something  concerning  the  weak 
ness  of  your  civil  authority  in  time  of  war  (especially 
when  the  enemy  are  on  your  borders)  to  serve  the  state 
effectually,  shall  be  the  subject  of  my  next. 

I  am,  gentlemen,  with  much  respect  and  esteem, 

WM.  MAXWELL. 
His   Excellency,   Gov.    LIVINGSTON.      The    honorable 

Council   and   General   Assembly    of  the    state  of 

New  Jersey. 


From   General  Maxwell  to    the  Legislature. 

Elizabethtown,  April  26th,  1779. 

GENTLEMEN, — I  promised  in  my  last  of  yesterday  to 
give  you  some  hints  wherein  I  thought  your  Civil  Poli 
cy  was  weak,  and  not  sufficient  to  answer  the  exigency 
of  the  times,  when  an  enemy  is  in  your  state  or  on 
your  borders.  I  will  give  you  some  instances,  viz  :  I 
will  suppose  a  tory  is  taken  up,  going  to  or  coming  from 
the  enemy,  and  may  possibly  be  twenty  or  thirty  miles 


152         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1779- 

from  his  former  abode ;  in  that  case  the  magistrate 
where  he  is  taken  can  do  nothing  with  him ;  then  the 
military  must  go  that  distance  and  take  all  the  evidence 
with  him,  and  when  that  is  done,  if  his  crime  is  not  so 
capital  as  will  be  likely  to  hang  him,  the  justice  imme 
diately  takes  bail  of  him,  and  if  his  former  residence 
was  on  the  lines,  which  is  commonly  the  case,  he 
cannot  prevent  him  from  living  there ;  the  magistrate 
says  he  cannot  bail  him,  and  then  orders  him  to  be  con 
fined  to  some  county  at  a  distance.  I  believe  his  ob 
servations  to  be  right,  but  some  remedy  ought  to  be 
provided  for  such  evils.  I  suppose  there  are  five  or  six 
or  more  such  persons  between  this  place  and  Wood- 
bridge,  that  are  turned  loose  upon  the  shore,  who  have 
been  over  with  the  enemy  some  one  year,  some  eight 
een  months,  and  others  longer,  so  that  they  return  to  us 
with  the  addition  of  seven  devils  more  than  they  were 
possessed  of  before,  by  the  connections  they  have 
formed  on  the  other  side  ;  and  no  doubt  but  some  of 
them  are  sent  over  to  us  by  the  enemy.  Two  of 
these  sort  of  fellows  were  bailed  out  last  winter,  and 
when  called  on  to  attend  Court  at  Newark  they  made 
their  escape  to  the  enemy  and  then  sent  intelligence 
back  that  the  enemy  had  carried  them  off.  The  present 
mode  might  answer  well  in  time  of  peace,  but  it  cuts  a 
shocking  figure  in  time  of  war.  Again,  some  people 
are  encouraging  our  soldiers  to  desert,  and  others  buy 
their  clothes  ;  and  no  one  knows  what  to  do  with  them 
and  villainy  escapes  unpunished  for  want  of  necessary 
law. 


1779.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  153 

There  are  a  number  of  people  in  this  part  of  the 
country,  that  it  would  be  much  better  for  the  safety  of 
the  state,  that  they  were  moved  some  to  New  York  and 
others  back  into  the  country.  That  we  should  keep 
Capt.  Kennedy  and  Capt.  McCloud  here  on  parole,  is 
very  extraordinary  ;  it  is  keeping  licensed  spies,  in  our 
very  lines,  amongst  our  troops  ;  this  is  carrying  com 
placency  beyond  anything  that  I  ever  saw  or  heard  of. 
Here  we  much  exceed  the  generosity  of  princes,  by 
suffering  such  people  on  our  lines  and  among  our 
troops ;  in  short,  these  officers  and  the  tories  here  pre 
vent  the  honest  whig  from  doing  his  duty  for  fear  of 
having  his  property  destroyed,  which  they  often  threaten 
them  with.  It  is  well  known  that  Capt.  Kennedy  car 
ries  on  a  correspondence  with  the  enemy  by  the  assist 
ance  of  his  wife  and  negroes.  The  Governor  knows 
something  of  this  ;  it  appears  by  the  oath  of  one  of  the 
soldiers  that  was  lately  secured  at  Newark,  when  some 
others  deserted,  that  Capt.  Kennedy's  negro  was  to  find 
them  a  boat,  and  it  is  likely  that  he  did  to  those  that 
went  off.  If  the  enemy  would  not  exchange  them, 
(which  I  think  they  cannot  avoid  finally,)  I  would  send 
them  in  on  a  parole,  and  if  they  would  not  go  that  way 
I  would  make  a  present  of  them  ;  it  would  have  been 
well  for  us  had  that  been  done  long  ere  now.  Capt. 
McCloud  draws  his  full  pay  from  them  in  New  York, 
and  seems  to  have  no  visible  business  here.  I  think  he 
would  be  much  better  for  us  in  New  York.  He  cannot 
help  speaking  against  us  and  our  measures  and  a  man 
wrho  will  speak  hasty  in  any  cause,  will  act  too,  when 


154         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1779. 

he  can  do  it  with  safety.  Mrs.  Chandler  is  much  in 
the  same  way  here  that  McCloud  is,  with  respect  to 
her  living ;  but  in  the  way  of  giving  intelligence  to  the 
enemy  I  think  her  the  first  in  the  place.  There  is  not 
a  tory  that  passes  in  or  out  of  New  York  or  any  other 
way,  that  is  of  consequence,  but  what  waits  on  Mrs. 
Chandler ;  and  mostly  all  the  British  officers  going  in  or 
out  on  parole  or  exchange,  wait  on  her ;  in  short,  the 
Governor,  the  whole  of  the  tories,  and  many  of  the 
whigs.  I  think  she  would  be  much  better  in  New  York, 
and  to  take  her  baggage  with  her,  that  she  might  have 
nothing  to  come  back  for.  Lawyer  Ross  and  some 
other  noted  tories  here  I  would  recommend  to  be  sent 
some  distance  back  in  the  country,  as  well  as  some 
others  along  the  shore  between  this  and  Amboy,  after 
their  characters  being  properly  enquired  into  by  proper 
persons  sent  here  for  that  purpose  by  you.  They  must 
not  be  persons  living  near  this  place,  that  will  do  the 
business,  it  must  be  people  that  are  not  afraid  of  those 
people's  emissaries  or  friends  on  the  other  side,  There 
wants  a  thorough  reform  here.  Several  good  friends 
have  mentioned  these  hints  to  me  often,  but  dare  not 
apply  to  the  legislature  for  fear  of  a  discovery.  I  beg 
you  will  excuse  the  roughness  of  these  observations,  as 
I  have  not  had  time  to  dress  them. 

I  am,  with  respect  and  esteem,  gentlemen,  your  most 
obed't  and  h'ble  servant, 

WM  MAXWELL. 

His  Excellency,  the   Governor,  Council,  and  General 
Assembly  State  New  Jersey. 


1779.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  155 

From   Frederick  Frelinghuysen  to  the  Speaker  of  the 

Assembly. 

'•  Trenton,  April  29th,  1779. 

Sir, — Agreeable  to  the  appointment  of  the  Legisla 
ture,  I  repaired  to  Philadelphia  in  the  month  of  January 
last,  and  have  since  that  time  attended  Congress,  until 
the  public  business  entrusted  to  my  care  in  the  county 
of  Somerset  rendered  my  absence  unavoidable. 

It  is  needless  for  me  to  remind  the  honorable  Legis 
lature,  that  I  did  with  great  reluctance  accept  of  the 
appointment  of  a  delegate  t-for  this  state  in  Congress. 
I  was  then  sufficiently  sensible  that  the  trust  was  too 
important  for  my  years  and  abilities.  I  am  now  fully 
convinced  that  I  should  do  injustice  to  my  country  did 
I  not  decline  that  service. 

In  doing  this,  I  am  conscious  to  myself  that  I  am 
actuated  merely  by  motives  for  the  public  good,  well 
knowing  that  whatever  may  be  my  abilities,  they  will 
be  useless  to  the  state  in  the  supreme  council  of  the 
Nation,  and  that  the  other  appointments  with  which 
the  Legislature  of  New  Jersey  have  been  pleased  to 
honor  me  in  the  county  of  Somerset,  are  more  than 
sufficient  to  employ  my  whole  attention. 

I  might  add  some  other  circumstances  which  render 
my  situation  there  peculiarly  disagreeable,  but  I  fear  the 
evils  which  might  arise  from  my  opening  myself  on  this 
subject,  would  more  than  counterbalance  any  good  it 
it  might  probably  answer.  I  trust,  however,  the  repre 
sentatives  of  New  Jersey  will  not  think  it  impertinent 


156       CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1779. 

in  one  who  has  faithfully  endeavored  to  serve  his 
country,  to  declare  to  them  that  the  interests  of  America 
loudly  call  on  them  for  extraordinary  vigilance. 

I  shall  say  nothing  respecting  the  amazing  expense 
of  attending  Congress,  and  my  inability  to  support  it.  I 
am  determined  not  to  complain  till  the  last  farthing  of 
my  little  property  is  spent  in  the  service  of  my  country  ; 
and  then,  perhaps,  I  shall  have  the  consolation  to  see 
poverty  esteemed  as  the  characteristic  of  an  honest 
man. 

I  conclude  with  observing,  I  am  particularly  moved 
to  wish  for  a  release  from  the  appointment,  as  it  has 
been  hinted  to  me  that  my  colleague  Mr.  Fell  is  ex 
ceedingly  uneasy  that  he  is  so  often  left  alone  to  manage 
the  weighty  affairs  of  state,  and  that  he  has  even  ex 
pressed  himself  with  warmth  and  temper  on  the  sub 
ject  in  his  letters  to  the  Legislature.  I  shall  only  say 
I  am  ready  at  all  times  to  give  an  account  of  my  con 
duct  to  those  who  appointed  me. 

I  trust  the  Legislature  will  take  into  consideration 
and  gratify  my  request  of  being  excused  from  the 
farther  attendance  at  Congress. 

I  am,  sir,  your  most  obedient  and  humble  serv't, 

FRED*  FRELINGHUYSEN. 
Hon'ble  CALEB  CAMP,  Speaker  of  the  Assembly. 

Memorial  of  the  Officers  of  the  Jersey  Brigade. 

To  the  Honorable  the  Council  and  General  Assembly  of  the  State 
of  New  Jersey. 

GENTLEMEN, — Our  being  now  under  marching  orders 


1779.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.          157 

induces  us  to  this  our  second  remonstrance,  occasioned 
by  your  too  long  delay  and  inattention  to  us. 

We  therefore  with  the  greatest  concern  and  reluct 
ance  inform  you,  that  unless  we  have  an  immediate 
relief,  and  the  depreciation  of  currency  made  good,  we 
shall  be  under  the  necessity  of  leaving  a  service  we 
would  wish  to  continue  in  while  we  can  be  supported. 

Unless  we  do  within  three  days  receive  the  former  of 
these  demands,  and  full  assurances  of  the  latter  being 
complied  with  as  early  as  possible,  we  request  officers 
may  be  immediately  appointed  in  place  of 

Your  most  obed't,  humble  serv'ts. 

Elizabethtown,  6th  May,  1779. 

Jno.  Forman,  Capt,  Abm.  Martin,     Lieut. 

Giles  Mead,         do.  Ephm.  Whitlock,  do. 

Alex'r  Mitchell,   do.  Edw'd  Burrows,  do. 

P.  V.  Voorhies,  do.  P.  Lott,  do. 

John  Holmes,    do.  Silas ,  do. 

Aaron  Ogden,     do.  Absalom  Bonham,do. 

Jacob  Piatt,      Lieut.  Asher  Levy,  Ensign. 

Wm.  Piatt,  do.  Jno. ,     do. 

Cyrus  DeHart,     do.  Jno.  Bishop,      do. 

Jno.  Howell,         do.  Jn.  Snovvden,  Lieut. 
Wm.  Barton,        do. 

Memorial  of  Major  Cummings  and  Capt.  Anderson. 

To  the  Honorable,  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  New  Jersey — 

GENTLEMEN, — We  being  appointed  by  the  officers  of 
the  Jersey  brigade  to  make  such  representations  to  our 
Honorable  House  (respecting  the  depreciation  of  your 
pay,)  as  to  us  might  appear  expedient,  beg  leave  to  pre 
sent  the  following : 


158          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1779. 

Being  fully  sensible  that  by  reason  of  the  many  and 
most  important  matters  in  which  you  must  be  necessa 
rily  employed,  those  of  less  consequence  to  the  general 
good  may  in  some  degree  be  neglected  and  forgotten; 
we  beg  leave  to  remind  honorable  Body  of  the  petition 
of  the  twenty-sixth  of  May,  delivered  by  Colonel  D'Hart 
and  Dr.  Elmer  in  behalf  of  the  officers  and  soldiers  of 
the  brigade,  requesting  that  the  certificates  on  account 
of  the  depreciation  of  our  pay,  might  be  more  effectually 
secured  by  the  mortgage  of  those  estates  that  are  al 
ready  or  may  hereafter  be  confiscated. 

Placing  a  firm  reliance  upon  your  entire  willingness 
to  pay  every  possible  attention  to  the  representations  of 
your  brigade,  and  confiding  in  your  laudable  endeavors 
to  give  them  the  most  ample  satisfaction  in  your  power 
consistent  with  the  public  weal,  we  take  the  liberty  to 
request  in  the  most  earnest  manner,  that  we  may  be 
placed  on  an  equal  (or  the  same)  footing  with  that  of 
the  troops  belonging  to  the  state  of  New  York. 

We  were  never  yet  made  sensible  either  by  general 
or  particular  instances  of  any  superior  merit  in  the  offi 
cers  and  soldiers  of  that  state,  to  those  employed  under 
you  ;  nor  can  we  be  induced  to  think  that  the  legisla 
ture  of  any  state  can  be  more  desirous  of  encouraging 
merit,  or  more  willing  to  render  strict  justice  to  their 
army  than  that  of  ours.  Deeply  impressed  with  these 
sentiments  of  your  liberality  and  strict  adherence  to 
justice,  we  have  ventured  to  trouble  you  with  the  fore 
going  representations,  being  convinced  from  cool  and 
impartial  reflection,  that  no  sufficient  objection  can  be 


1779.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  159 

offered  against  a  request,  which  to  us  appears  to  be 
founded  on  the  grand  principle  of  equity  and  economy. 
For  we  conceive  that  the  mode  above  alluded  to,  as 
having  been  established  by  the  legislative  authority  of 
the  State  of  New  York,  would  be  equally  conducive  to 
the  interests  of  the  state  and  that  of  the  brigade,  since 
it  must  consequently  save  to  the  former  an  annual  inte 
rest  of  as  much  as  the  certificates  draw,  more  than  the 
rents  arising  from  the  confiscated  estates ;  and  will  give 
to  the  latter  the  most  ample  satisfaction,  by  affording 
them  an  opportunity  of  realizing  their  notes,  which 
must  otherwise  be  exposed  to  the  disadvantages  of  an 
equal  invalidity  with  the  new  emission. 

We  are,  gentlemen,  with  the  greatest  respect,  your 
obedient  servants, 

J.  N.  CUMMINGS, 

Major  1st  R.  Jersey. 

J.  ANDERSON, 

Capt.  in  1st  Reg't,  N.  J. 


From  Brigadier  General  Maxwell  to  General 
Washington. 

Elizabethtown,  May  6th,  1779. 

SIR, — I  am  just  informed  by  Col.  Ogden  that  the 
officers  of  the  first  regiment  have  delivered  him  a 
remonstrance  to  our  Legislature  with  their  commis 
sions,  informing  them  that  if  they  have  not  some 
immediate  redress  with  respect  to  their  pay  and  support 
they  will  look  on  themselves  as  out  of  the  service  at  the 


160         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1779. 

expiration  of  three  days.  They  will  however  put  the 
regiment  in  the  most  proper  order  for  marching,  or  take 
care  of  it  till  the  state  has  reasonable  time  to  supply 
other  officers.  This  is  a  step  they  are  extremely 
unwilling  to  take,  but  it  is  such  as  I  make  no  doubt 
they  will  all  take.  Nothing  but  the  necessity  of  their 
not  being  able  to  support  themselves  in  time  to  come, 
and  being  loaded  with  debts  the  time  past,  could  have 
induced  them  to  resign  at  so  critical  a  time,  when  their 
country  so  much  wants  their  services.  They  begged  the 
Colonel  to  make  it  known  to  those  concerned  that  they 
had  not  taken  this  step  through  any  design  of  cabal  or 
disaffection,  as  they  had  not  desired  or  wished  an  officer 
of  any  other  regiment  to  join  them,  that  they  would 
have  come  to  this  resolution  long  before  now,  but  from 
their  unwillingness  to  leave  the  service  they  so  much 
respected,  and  that  their  former  applications,  with 
those  lately  made  to  their  Legislature,  they  thought 
would  have  drawn  their  attention  to  their  distresses. 
They  say  the  clothier  for  this  state  has  informed 
them  that  the  assembly  has  given  him  orders  to  pur 
chase  to  the  value  of  <£150  worth  of  clothing  for 
each  officer,  which  they  say  will  not  do  much  more 
than  get  them  a  coat. 

Col.  Ogden  is  going  off  to  the  Assembly  to  lay  the 
affair  before  them,  and  expects  to  be  back  in  three  days. 
I  have  in  haste  endeavored  to  convey  the  substance  of 
what  Col.  Ogden  informed  me  to  your  Excellency,  and 
am,  &c.,  WM.  MAXWELL. 


1779.]       EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.      161 

From    General   Washington    to    Brigadier -General 
Maxwell. 

Head-Quarters,  Middle-brook,  May  7,  1779. 

SIR, — I  have  received  your  favor  of  yesterday,  with 
infinite  concern  ;  there  is  nothing  which  has  happened  in 
the  course  of  the  war,  which  has  given  me  so  much 
pain  as  the  remonstrance  you  mention  from  the  officers 
of  the  1st  Jersey  Regiment.  I  cannot  but  consider  it 
as  a  hasty  and  imprudent  step,  which  on  more  cool 
consideration  they  will  themselves  condemn. 

I  am  very  sensible  of  the  inconveniences  under  which 
the  officers  of  the  army  labor,  and  hope  they  do  me  the 
justice  to  believe  that  my  endeavors  to  procure  them  re 
lief  are  incessant.  There  is  however  more  difficulty  in 
satisfying  their  wishes  than  perhaps  they  are  aware. 
Our  resources  have  been  hitherto  very  limited  ;  the  situa 
tion  of  our  money  is  no  small  embarrassment,  for  which, 
though  there  are  remedies,  they  cannot  be  the  work  of 
a  moment  Government  is  not  insensible  of  the  merits 
and  sacrifices  of  the  officers,  nor,  I  am  persuaded,  un 
willing  to  make  a  compensation,  but  it  is  a  truth  of 
which  a  little  observation  must  convince  us  that  it  is 
very  much  str.aitened  in  the  means.  Great  allowances 
ought  to  be  made  on  this  account  for  any  delay  and 
seeming  backwardness  which  may  appear.  Some  of 
the  states  indeed  have  done  as  generously  as  it  is,  at 
this  juncture,  in  their  power ;  and  if  others  have  been 
less  expeditious,  it  ought  to  be  ascribed  to  some  peculiar 
cause,  which  a  little  time,  aided  by  example,  will  remove. 
11 


162         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1779. 

The  patience  and  perseverance  of  the  army  have  been, 
under  every  disadvantage,  such  as  to  do  them  the  high 
est  honor,  both  at  home  and  abroad ;  and  have  inspired 
me  with  an  unlimited  confidence  in  their  virtue,  which 
has  consoled  me  amidst  every  perplexity  and  reverse  of 
fortune  to  which  our  affairs,  in  a  struggle  of  this  nature, 
were  necessarily  exposed.  Now  that  we  have  made  so 
great  a  progress  to  the  attainment  of  the  end  we  have 
in  view,  so  that  we  cannot  fail  without  a  most  shameful 
desertion  of  our  own  interests,  anything  like  a  change 
of  conduct  would  imply  a  very  unhappy  change  of 
principles,  and  a  forgetfulness  as  well  of  what  we  owe 
to  ourselves  as  to  our  country.  Did  I  suppose  it  possi 
ble  this  could  be  the  case  even  in  a  single  regiment  of 
the  army,  I  should  be  mortified  and  chagrined  beyond 
expression.  I  should  feel  it  as  a  wound  given  to  my 
own  honor,  which  I  consider  as  embarked  with  that  of 
the  army  at  large.  But  this  I  believe  to  be  impossible. 
Any  corps  that  was  about  to  set  an  example  of  this 
kind,  would  weigh  well  the  consequences,  and  no  officer 
of  common  discernment  and  sensibility  would  hazard 
them.  If  they  should  stand  alone  in  it,  independent  of 
other  consequences,  what  would  be  their  feelings  on 
reflecting  that  they  had  held  themselves  out  to  the 
world  in  a  point  of  light  inferior  to  the  rest  of  the 
army  1  Or  if  their  example  should  be  followed  and 
become  general,  how  would  they  console  themselves  for 
having  been  foremost  in  bringing  ruin  and  disgrace  upon 
their  country  1  They  would  remember  that  the  army 
would  share  a  double  portion  of  the  general  infamy  and 


1779.]    EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.     163 

distress ;  and  that  the  character  of  an  American  officer 
would  become  as  despicable  as  it  is  now  glorious. 

I  confess  the  appearances  in  the  present  instance  are 
disagreeable,  but  I  am  convinced  they  seem  to  me  more 
than  they  really  do.  The  Jersey  officers  have  not 
been  outdone  by  any  others,  in  the  qualities  either  of 
citizens  or  soldiers  ;  and  I  am  confident  no  part  of  them 
would  seriously  intend  anything  that  would  be  a  stain 
to  their  former  reputation.  The  gentlemen  cannot  be 
in  earnest,  they  have  only  reasoned  wrong  about  the 
means  of  obtaining  a  good  end,  and  on  reconsideration 
I  hope  and  flatter  myself  they  will  renounce  what  must 
appear  improper.  At  the  opening  of  a  campaign,  when 
under  marching  orders,  for  an  important  service,  their 
own  honors,  duty  to  the  public  and  themselves,  a  regard 
to  military  propriety,  will  not  suffer  them  to  persist 
in  a  measure  which  would  be  a  violation  of  them  all. 
It  will  even  wound  their  delicacy  coolly  to  reflect  that 
they  have  hazarded  a  step  which  has  an  air  of  dicta 
ting  terms  to  their  country,  by  taking  advantage  of  the 
necessity  of  the  moment. 

The  declaration  they  have  made  to  the  states  at  so 
critical  a  time,  that  unless  they  obtain  relief  in  the  short 
period  of  three  days,  they  must  be  considered  out  of 
the  service,  has  very  much  this  aspect ;  and  the  seem 
ing  relaxation  of  continuing  till  the  state  can  have  a 
reasonable  time  to  provide  other  officers,  will  be  thought 
only  a  superficial  veil. 

I  am  now  to  request  that  you  will  convey  my  senti 
ments  to  the  gentlemen  concerned,  and  endeavor  to 


164          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1779. 

make  them  sensible  that  they  are  in  error.  The  ser 
vice  for  which  the  regiment  was  intended  will  not 
admit  of  delay ;  it  must  at  all  events  march  on  Monday 
morning  in  the  first  place  to  the  camp,  and  further 
directions  will  be  given  when  it  arrives.  I  am  sure  I 
shall  not  be  mistaken  in  expecting  a  prompt  and  cheer 
ful  obedience. 

I  am,  &c.  G°  WASHINGTON. 


From  the  Captains  and  Subalterns  of  the  1st  Regiment 
of  New  Jersey  to  General  Washington. 

* 

Elizabethtown,  May  8,  1779. 

SIR, — General  Maxwell  has  communicated  to  us  the 
substance  of  a  letter  from  your  Excellency  of  yesterday. 
It  has  made  us  very  unhappy  that  any  act  of  ours 
should  give  your  Excellency  pain.  But  we  trust  when 
you  are  made  acquainted  with  the  circumstances  that 
induced  us  to  take  these  measures,  that  so  far  from  cen 
suring  us  you  will  approve  our  conduct.  The  reason 
that  we  have  not  heretofore  made  your  Excellency 
acquainted  with  our  peculiar  hard  circumstances  were, 
that  it  would  be  giving  you  uneasiness  without  answer 
ing  any  valuable  end ;  for  we  are  truly  sensible  of  the 
incessant  pains  your  Excellency  has  taken  for  the  benefit 
of  your  army.  You  are  pleased  to  say  that  you  cannot 
but  consider  the  late  step  of  the  officers  hasty  and  im 
prudent.  That  it  was  not  hasty  we  will  readily  prove, 
and  whether  imprudent,  future  events,  in  some  measure, 


1779.]     EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.    165 

must  determine,  though  dire  necessity  with  us  admitted 
no  alternative. 

It  will  be  proper  to  inform  your  Excellency  that  the 
officers  of  the  Jersey  Brigade  have  repeatedly  and  at 
almost  every  session  of  the  Assembly,  since  January, 
1778,  memorialized  them  upon  the  necessities  of  the 
troops, — and  the  reasonableness  of  their  making  them 
some  compensation  for  their  services ,  that  the  mem 
bers  of  the  legislature,  individually,  always  assured  the 
gentlemen  who  waited  on  them  with  the  memorials, 
that  something  very  generous  should  be  done  for  the 
troops,  but  we  have  the  misfortune  to  inform  your 
Excellency  that  not  a  single  resolve  was  ever  entered 
on  their  Minutes  in  our  favor  until  within  two  weeks. 
So  long  ago  as  last  winter  we  informed  the  council  of 
our  determination  to  leave  the  service  unless  we  were 
properly  provided  for  ;  and  from  them  we  again  received 
assurances  that  provision  should  be  made  for  us.  At 
the  beginning  of  the  present  session  a  resolution  was 
sent  into  them  signed  by  every  officer  of  the  brigade,  a 
copy  of  which  we  have  enclosed,  and  so  far  were  they 
from  complying  with  the  reasonable  requisitions  con 
tained  in  it,  that  they  have  referred  it  to  Congress. 
Thus  are  we  circumstanced ;  we  have  lost  all  confi 
dence  in  our  legislature.  Reason  and  experience  forbid 
that  we  should  have  any.  Few  of  us  have  private 
fortunes  :  many  have  families  who  already  are  suffering 
everything  that  can  be  received  from  an  ungrateful 
country.  Are  we  then  to  submit  to  all  the  inconve 
niences,  fatigue,  and  dangers  of  a  camp  life,  while  our 


166         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1779. 

wives  and  children  are  perishing  for  want  of  common 
necessaries  at  home ;  and  that  without  the  most  distant 
prospect  of  reward,  for  our  pay  is  now  only  nominal. 
We  are  sensible  that  your  Excellency  cannot  wish  or 
desire  it  from  us.  We  are  sorry  you  should  imagine 
that  we  meant  to  disobey  orders  ;  it  was  and  still  is  our 
determination  to  march  with  our  regiment,  and  do  the 
duty  of  officers  until  the  legislature  shall  have  a  rea 
sonable  time  to  appoint  others,  but  no  longer. 

We  beg  leave  to  assure  your  Excellency  that  we 
have  the  highest  sense  of  your  abilities  and  virtues ; 
that  executing  your  orders  has  ever  given  us  pleasure ; 
that  we  love  the  service  and  we  love  our  country  ; 
but  when  that  country  is  so  lost  to  virtue  and  justice  as 
to  forget  to  support  its  servants,  it  then  becomes  their 
duty  to  retire  from  the  service. 

We  are,  &c.,  by  order, 
JONATHAN  FORMAN,  1st  Capt. 


From  General  Washingston  to  Brigadier  General 
Maxwell. 

Head  Quarters,  Middle  Brook,  May  10th,  1779. 
SIR, — The  short  stay  you  made  at  head  quarters 
and  my  attention  being  otherwise  engrossed,  prevented 
my  entering  upon  the  subject  of  the  letter  from  the 
officers  of  the  1st  Jersey  regiment,  transmitted  in  yours 
of  the  8th  inst.  I  am  sorry  to  find  the  gentlemen  per 
sist  in  the  principles  which  dictated  the  step  they  have 


1779.]     EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.    167 

taken,  as  the  more  the  affair  unfolds  itself  the  more 
reason  I  see  to  disapprove.  But  in  the  present  view 
they  have  of  the  matter,  and  with  their  present  feelings 
it  is  not  probable  any  new  arguments  that  could  be 
offered  would  have  more  influence  than  the  former. 
While  therefore  the  gentlemen  continue  in  the  execu 
tion  of  their  duty,  as  they  declare  themselves  heartily 
disposed  to  do,  I  shall  only  regret  that  they  have  taken 
a  step  of  which  they  must  hereafter  see  the  impropriety. 

There  is  one  thing  to  which  I  cannot  forbear  calling 
your  particular  attention.  I  observed  in  the  memorial 
of  which  the  officers  transmitted  me  a  copy,  that  the 
gentlemen  dwell  among  other  things  upon  the  insuffi 
ciency  of  the  soldiers'  pay.  This  is  a  doctrine  full  of 
dangerous  consequences,  and  which  ought  not  to  be 
countenanced  in  any  way  whatever,  neither  is  it  well 
founded. 

The  pay  given  in  other  armies  is  little  more  than 
nominal ;  very  low  in  the  first  instance,  and  subject  to 
a  variety  of  deductions  which  reduce  it  to  nothing. 
This  is  the  case  with  the  British  troops,  though  I 
believe  they  receive  more  than  those  of  any  of  the 
European  armies.  The  idea  of  maintaining  the  sol 
diers'  families  at  home  at  the  public  expense  is  peculiar 
to  us  ;  and  is  incompatible  with  the  finances  of  any 
government.  Our  troops  have  been  uniformly  better 
fed  than  any  others  ;  they  are  at  this  time  very  well 
clad,  and  I  hope  will  continue  to  be  so.  It  is  important 
that  any  misconception  on  this  point  should  be  rectified. 
I  suppose  every  officer  incapable  of  encouraging  im- 


168         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1779. 

proper  expectations  in  his  men ;  but  I  must  also  hope 
that  every  exertion  will  be  made  to  suppress  them. 
I  am,  &c., 

G°  WASHINGTON. 

From  the  Board  of  War  to  Governor  Livingston  and 
the  Speaker  of  the  Assembly. 

War  Office,  May  22d,  1779. 

GENTLEMEN, — Congress  having  directed  us  to  give 
the  information  required  by  the  representation  to  them 
from  the  honorable  Council  and  Assembly  of  your  state, 
we  have  the  honor  of  communicating  to  you  every 
thing  on  the  subject  our  circumstances  as  the  returns 
enable  us  to  inform. 

By  the   last  return    of  General    Maxwell's  brigade 
there  wece  in  the  3  New  Jersey  regiments — 
Gen'l  Maxwell's  brigade,  by  return  of  April  last — 
Sergeants,  71 

Drums  and  Fifes,      -  50 

Rank  and  File,  -  890 

1011 

Spencer's  regiment,  by  the  return  of  March  last — 
Sergeants,  8 

Drums  and  Fifes,      -  6 

Rank  and  File,  *-  126 

140 

Forman's  regiment,  by  the  return  of  December  last — 
Sergeants,  5 

Drum,     -  1 

Rank  and  File,  62 

—         68 


1779.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  169 

Sheldon's  regiment — 

1  troop  of  horse,  33 

Artillery,  1  company  probably,    -         30 

Invalids,  12 

—         75 

1294 
Wanting  to  complete  three  regiments,  365 

1659 

Complement  of  non-commissioned  officers 
and  privates  for  3  regiments  of  infantry, 
by  establishment  of  May  27th,  1778,  1659 

The  present  state  of  the  3  New  Jersey  regiments  is 
as  follows : 


Sergeants. 

Drums  and  Fifes. 

Rank  and  File. 

Ogden's— 

21 

20 

283 

Shrieve's  — 

27 

12 

317 

Dayton's  — 

23 

18 

290 

Total, 

71 

50 

890 

Wanting  to  complete  — 

Sergeants. 

Drums  and  Fifes. 

Rank  and  File. 

Ogden's  — 

8 

0 

221 

Shrieve's  — 

2 

8 

187 

Dayton's  — 

6 

2 

214 

16  10  622 

The  men  enlisted  in  Count  Pulaski's  legion  were 
engaged  for  one  year  only.  Their  time  of  service  is 
nearly  expired,  and  the  men  raised  in  Jersey,  from  an 


170         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1779. 

aversion  to  serving  with  foreigners,  are  all  deserted. 
And  if  they  were  now  in  the  corps,  they  would  not  be 
the  objects  of  the  resolution  of  Congress  of  the  15th 
of  March  last,  as  that  operates  only  in  cases  of  men 
enlisted  for  three  years,  or  during  the  war.  We  have 
supposed  that  all  the  men  of  Forman's  and  Spencer's 
regiments  were  enlisted  in  New  Jersey,  which  can 
hardly  be  the  case,  as  the  numbers  now  in  these  regi 
ments  are  the  remnants  of  those  collected  from  the 
several  states  ;  and  these  regiments  having  been 
recruited  in  the  United  States  at  large,  though  perhaps 
the  greater  part  of  one  of  them  was  raised  in  Jersey, 
it  is  scarcely  probable  that  the  Jersey  men  are  the  only 
survivors  of  the  many  who  have  been  in  the  corps. 
Sheldon's  troop  and  the  artillery  company  have  been 
only  calculated  upon  conjecture,  as  we  have  not  any 
distinction  made  in  the  general  return  of  the  army 
between  the  men  enlisted  in  the  several  states  which 
belong  to  the  corps  in  which  this  troop  and  company 
are  now  serving.  So  soon  as  we  receive  particular 
returns  from  the  commander-in-chief,  we  shall  imme 
diately  transmit  them  agreeably  to  the  direction  of  the 
resolution  of  the  15th  March  last.  But  we  have  no 
hopes  of  being  speedily  enabled  to  do  this,  as  we  do 
not  suppose  the  General  will  make  the  return  to  us 
until  he  has  collected  the  necessary  information  from 
the  whole  army.  We  will  beg  leave  to  add  that  we 
have  always  understood  that  the  greatest  number  of 
Forman's  regiment  was  raised  in  Maryland. 

We  have,  from  a  desire  to  state  the  matter  in  every 


1779.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.       171 

point  of  view,  made  the  above  calculations  to  shew  the 
difference  between  the  numbers  Jersey  will  have  to 
raise  in  either  case.  But  the  number  last  stated  as 
wanting  to  complete  the  three  regiments  is  in  the 
opinion  of  the  board  the  deficiency  your  state  has  to 
supply.  Although  by  the  resolution  of  the  27th  May 
last  the  complement  of  a  battalion  was  fixed  by  Con 
gress  at  553,  including  non-com' d  officers,  yet  it  was 
not  intended  hereby  to  limit  the  quotas  of  the  state 
entirely  to  the  completion  of  their  battalions  to  this 
establishment.  Congress '  had  in  mind  the  artillery, 
horse  and  additional  battalions  of  infantry,  which  not 
being  attached  to  any  state  were  to  be  completed  from 
the  states  at  large.  Lest  these  corps  should  be  too 
burthensome  on  the  states,  there  was  only  a  reduction 
of  the  number  of  men  in  the  battalion,  but  also  of  the 
number  of  battalions.  At  first  Jersey  had  four  battal 
ions,  and  the  complement  of  each  was  688,  non-com' d 
officers  and  privates.  She  now  is  called  upon  to  raise 
only  three  battalions,  and  the  establishment  is  only  553. 
The  artillery,  horse,  &c.,  stand  in  the  place  of  the  4th 
battalion,  and  the  extra  numbers.  It  is  the  same  thing 
in  the  other  states  in  like  circumstances,  and  the  officers 
and  men  of  the  corps  above  mentioned  were  by  the 
recommendation  of  the  15th  of  March  put  under  the 
care  of  the  states  wherein  they  were  respectively  raised, 
on  a  persuasion  that  they  ought  to  be  considered  as 
part  of  the  state  quotas,  though  they  were  not  part  of 
the  battalion  complements,  which  they  ought  not  to  be, 
as  by  making  deductions  of  them  from  the  numbers 


L72        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1779. 

which  ought  to  be  in  the  regiments,  the  corps  will  never 
be  complete,  but  must  decrease  with  the  increase  of  the 
extra  corps ;  which  is  not  only  detrimental  to  the  service 
and  disagreeable  to  the  officers,  but  not  agreeable,  as  we 
conceive,  I  have  always  understood,  to  the  sense  of 
Congress;  who  will  be  obliged,  in  our  opinion,  in  case 
of  deductions  from  the  regimental  complements  on 
account  of  the  extra  corps,  to  call  on  the  states  to  raise 
a  greater  number  of  battalions. 

We  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  greatest  respect, 
your  very  obed.  servants, 

RICHARD  PETERS, 

In  behalf  of  the  Board. 
His    Excellency,    Governor    LIVINGSTON,    Honorable 

CALEB  CAMP,  Esq. 


From  General  Washington  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Head  Quarters,  Middle  Brook,  June,  1779. 
DEAR  SIR, — General  Green  has  informed  me  that  he 
addressed  your  Excellency  some  time  since  upon  the 
subject  of  wagons,  and  suggested  that  it  would  be 
necessary,  owing  to  the  difficulties  of  procuring  them 
in  the  ordinary  way,  for  the  legislature  fo  authorize  Col. 
M.  Foreman  to  impress  them  in  cases  of  exigency.  I 
would  take  the  liberty  to  add  that  it  appears  to  me 
indispensably  necessary  for  the  several  legislatures  to 
give  their  earliest  attention  to  this  subject,  and  to  adopt 
measures  from  which  supplies  of  wagons  may  be 


1779.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  173 

derived  in  times  of  emergency,  and  if  this  is  not  done, 
there  is  every  reason  to  apprehend  that  the  movements 
of  the  army  will  be  frequently  impeded  and  sometimes 
found  impractible.  We  have  already  experienced  great 
inconveniences  on  this  head,  and  from  the  unhappy 
depreciation  of  our  money  they  will  most  probably 
increase.  I  most  heartily  recommend  the  subject  to 
your  Excellency's  consideration,  and  as  you  will  readily 
perceive  that  the  success  and  even  security  of  an  army 
in  a  variety  of  cases  may  depend  upon  the  rapidity 
with  which  it  may  be  able  to  move,  I  am  persuaded  it 
will  have  every  proper  countenance  and  support  on  your 
part. 

The  desultory  kind  of  war  which  the  enemy  seem 
determined  to  pursue,  is  a  further  cogent  reason  for  the 
legislatures  interposing  \yith  their  authority  in  the 
case. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  sentiments  of  respect 
and  regard,  your  Excellency's  most  obe't  serv't, 

G°  WASHINGTON. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


From  General  Washington  to  Governor  Livingston. 

West  Point,  August  the  26th,  1779. 

SIR, — In  a  letter  which  I  had  the  honor  of  addressing 
to  your  Excellency  on  the  22d  of  May,  I  took  the 
liberty  to  mention  the  inconveniences  which  had  pre 
vailed  for  want  of  system  in  the  clothing  department, 
and  the  necessity  there  was  for  an  early  appointment  of 


174   CORRESPONDENCE  OF  THE  NEW  JERSEY    [1779. 

state  or  sub-clothiers,  agreeable  to  the  ordinance  estab 
lished  by  Congress  by  their  act  of  the  23d  of  March, 
with  which  I  presumed  your  Excellency  had  been  made 
acquainted.  I  am  now  under  the  necessity  of  troubling 
you  with  a  farther  address  upon  the  subject  of  clothing 
itself. 

From  the  best  information  I  have  been  able  to 
obtain,  both  from  returns  and  particular  inquiries,  I  fear 
there  is  but  too  much  reason  to  apprehend  that  unless 
the  respective  states  interpose  with  their  exertions,  our 
supplies  of  this  essential  article  will  be  very  deficient, 
and  that  the  troops  may  again  experience  on  this 
account  a  part  of  those  distresses  which  were  so 
severely  and  injuriously  felt  in  the  past  stages  of  the 
war,  and  which  a  regard  to  the  interests  of  the  states 
as  well  as  to  the  dictates  of  humanity  should  prevent  if 
it  be  practicable.  I  do  not  know  exactly  how  it  will 
turn  out  with  respect  to  woolen  clothing,  I  should  hope 
tolerably  well,  but  if  the  attention  of  the  state  shall 
ever  go  to  this,  there  will  be  little  probability  of  our 
having  an  over  supply.  But  the  articles  to  which  I 
would  take  the  liberty  to  solicit  your  Excellency's  more 
particular  attention  are  blankets,  shirts,  shoes  and  hats, 
(more  especially  the  two  first)  as  our  prospect  of  these 
is  by  no  means  pleasing,  and  such,  indeed,  as  decides 
that  the  supply  from  the  continental  clothiers  and  agents 
will  fall  far  short,  or  at  least  stand  upon  too  critical  and 
precarious  a  footing.  The  importance  and  advantages 
of  good  supplies  of  clothing  are  evident,  and  they  have 
been  most  remarkably  and  happily  demonstrated  in  the 


1779.]    EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.     175 

health  of  the  troops  since  they  have  been  pretty  com 
fortably  provided  for  in  this  instance.  A  circumstance 
of  all  others  the  most  interesting. 

While  I  am  on  the  subject  of  clothing,  I  would  also 
beg  leave  to  add  that  the  condition  of  the  officers  in 
this  respect,  appears  to  me  to  require  the  attention  of 
their  states.  It  is  really,  in  many  instances,  painfully 
distressing.  The  want  of  necessaries  and  the  means 
of  procuring  them  at  their  present  exorbitant  prices,  has 
compelled  a  great  many  officers  of  good  reputation  and 
credit  to  resign  their  commissions.  And  if  they  are  not 
relieved,  it  must  be  the  case  with  many  others,  as  they 
will  have  no  alternative. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  highest  respect,  his 
Excellency's  most  obed.  serv't, 

G°  WASHINGTON. 
His  Excellency,  Gov'r  LIVINGSTON. 


From  Governor  Livingston  to  the  House  of  Assembly. 

Trenton,  September  23d,  1779. 

GENTLEMEN, — The  Privy  Council  have  had  no  agen 
cy  relative  to  the  state  regiments,  except  in  the  fol 
lowing  instances : 

1st.  That  of  allotting  it  to  the  counties  of  Bergen, 
Essex,  Middlesex,  and  Monmouth,  in  the  following  pro 
portions,  viz.:  To  Bergen  250  men;  Essex  Post  445 
men,  and  to  Monmouth  300  men. 

2.  That  of  directing  the  quota  raised  by  the  county 
of  Sussex,  to  be  stationed  in  that  county. 


176         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1779. 

3.  Of  appointing  Lieut.  Col.  Taylor,  (after  Colonel 
Neilson  and  Colonel  Frelinghuysen  had  been  succes 
sively  appointed,  and  had  both  refused  to  accept  the 
command,)  as  an  assistant  to  Colonel  Frelinghuysen, 
from  the  additional  duties  attending  the  post  at  Eliza 
beth-Town,  on  account  of  the  flags,  and  his  being 
obliged  to  visit  the  other  posts,  as  commandant  of  the 
whole  regiment — which  appointment  was  made  from 
the  critical  exigency  of  affairs,  and  in  confidence  that 
the  legislature  would  at  their  present  sitting,  provide  for 
his  pay,  and  allowance  as  a  lieutenant-colonel,  and  if 
not,  those  officers  were  to  be  at  liberty  to  retire,  and 
which  has  eventually  appeared  to  be  a  fortunate  meas 
ure,  as  Colonel  Frelinghuysen  has  only  by  reason  of 
his  ill  state  of  health,  been  able  to  take  the  command. 
That  eight  companies  of  the  regiment  are  stationed  in 
the  counties  of  Essex  and  Middlesex,  and  seven  of 
those  companies  in  Essex,  as  mentioned  in  the  repre 
sentation  of  the  honorable  House,  is  neither  in  conse 
quence  of  any  order  from  the  Governor,  nor  did  it  come 
to  his  knowlege,  till  he  received  the  said  representation; 
and  which,  If  true,  and  unless  the  said  companies  are 
deficient  in  their  number  of  men,  or  particularly  sickly, 
appears  to  him  as  unequal  a  distribution  as  it  doth  to 
the  honorable  House  ;  and  for  their  satisfaction  therein, 
he  will  either  write  to  the  commanding  officer  on  the 
subject,  or  (if  the  house  prefers  that  mode  of  inquiry,) 
will  order  him  to  attend  at  jJiis  place,  for  the  further 
explanation  of  his  conduct,  which  from  Col.  Taylor's 
knowrn  character  for  prudence  and  impartiality,  the 


1779.]    EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.     177 

Governor  has  reason  to  think  will  meet  their  approba 
tion.  In  the  mean  time  the  Governor  will  be  ready  to 
provide  copies  of  all  his  letters  to  the  officers  at  the 
different  posts,  and  their  letters  to  him  relative  to  the 
state  regiments,  to  a  committee  of  the  House,  whenever 
the  Assembly  shall  think  proper  to  appoint  one  for  that 
purpose. 

WILL.  LIVINGSTON. 

Privy  Council,  Sept.  27,  1779. 

His  Excellency,  the  Governor,  having  laid  the  repre 
sentation  of  the  Honorable  House  of  Assembly,  relative 
to  the  stationing  the  state  regiments,  before  the  Board. 
The  Council  advised  his  Excellency  to  answer,  which 
he  accordingly  did ;  and  the  Board  do  now  agree  to 
the  above  answers,  as  far  as  respects  themselves. 
By  order  of  the  Council, 

BOWES  REED,  Sec'y. 
Hon'ble  House  of  Assembly. 


From  Colonel  Taylor  to  Governor  Livingston. 

North  Branch  of  Raritan,  Sept.  25, 1779. 
SIR, — It  was  my  intention  to  have  inclosed  a  return 
of  the  number  of  officers  who  have  joined  the  State 
Regiment  from  each  county ;  and  also  the  deficiencies 
of  each,  but  not  having  been  able  to  get  the  reports  of 
the  several  companies  soon  enough,  owing  to  their 
separate  stations,  and  the  necessity  of  my  attending  the 
examination  of  the  students  of  Queen's  College,  I  have 

12 


178         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1779. 

at  present  omitted  making  such  a  return,  but  shall  trans 
mit  it,  together  with  the  state  of  the  regiment,  as  soon 
as  possible.     Enclosed  is  an  account  of  Doctor  Winans, 
who  has  faithfully  attended  the  troops,  and  also  an  ac 
count  of  my  own,  for  lodging,  &c.,  which  his  Excellency 
the  Governor,  and  his  honorable  Privy  Council  gave 
Col.  Frelinghuysen  and  myself  reason  to  believe  should 
be  answered  when  we  accepted  the  command  of  the 
regiment.     We  have  not  been  able  to  enlist  any  light- 
horsemen  upon  the  plan  proposed  by  act  of  Assembly. 
There  are  ten  horsemen  at  Elizabethtown,  raised  from 
the  infantry  in   service  at  that  place.     There  ought 
to  be  at  least  twelve  at  that  post,  and  twelve  more  at 
the    other   different  stations.     We  have  one  piece  of 
artillery,  the  men  to  work  it  also  taken  from  the  mus 
ketry  stationed  at  that  place.     The  season  will  soon  be 
too    far   advanced   for  tents,  or  I  should  again  make 
application  for  them.     The  houses  in  which  the  troops 
are  quartered,  having  been  long  made  use  of  for  lodging 
soldiers,  are  become  very  dirty,    and  of   consequence 
unhealthy.     This  doubtless  is  one  reason  that  our  men 
are  so  sickly,  that  not  above  one-third  of  them  are  ca 
pable  of  doing  duty.     This  part  of  the  regiment  have, 
and    do    still  labor  under   many    inconveniences,    on 
account  of  no  sufficient  provision  having  been  made 
for  the  sick.     In  the  first  place,  no  medicine  has  been 
provided  for  them ;  and  in  the  next  place   I  found  it 
impossible  to  prevail  upon  the  neighboring  surgeon  to 
attend  them,   and  make  use   of   their    own  medicine 
which  they  had  purchased  for  private  practice,  being 
fearful  that  their  bills  would  not  be  paid.     Many  of  the 


1779.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  179 

soldiers  growing  very  sick,  I  at  last  persuaded  Doctor 
Winans  to  attend  them,  and  supply  them  with  medicine 
as  far  as  he  should  think  necessary,  by  giving  my  word 
that  his  accounts  should  be  paid,  for  which,  as  enclosed, 
I  stand  answerable.  The  Doctor's  medicine  is  now 
expended,  and  at  present  there  is  no  surgeon  to  admin 
ister  advice  or  medicine  to  the  troops,  who  continue  very 
sickly. 

Many  of  the  men  being  rendered  very  weak  by 
severe  sickness,  I  thought  it  imprudent  to  keep  them 
in  quarters,  both  on  account  of  its  not  being  possible 
to  secure  necessaries  for  them,  and  that  attendance 
which  men  in  their  situation  require ;  and  also  on  ac 
count  of  our  being  exposed  to  the  sudden  invasion  of 
the  enemy,  when  many  of  the  men  would  inevitably 
fall  a  sacrifice.  I  then  procured  a  house  for  a  hospital 
at  a  considerable  distance  from  the  town  which  an 
swered  the  purpose  for  some  time,  but  sickness  increas 
ing  rapidly,  our  hospital  was  found  insufficient  to  contain 
one  half  of  them.  I  then  sent  an  officer  to  Springfield, 
Westfield,  and  Connecticut  Farms,  and  to  every  adja 
cent  place  where  I  thought  there  was  a  probability  of 
success,  to  endeavor  to  provide  quarters  for  the  sick,  but 
all  my  attempts  proved  abortive.  After  finding  it  im 
possible  to  secure  the  sick,  to  render  their  situation  in 
any  degree  comfortable,  I  permitted  them  to  return 
home  until  they  should  recover  their  health.  I  need 
not  mention  to  your  excellency  the  many  disadvantages 
attending  this  step.  I  however  feel  satisfied  from  a 
consciousness  of  having  discharged  my  duty  to  my 
country,  and  the  regiment  under  my  command. 


180    CORRESPONDENCE  OF  THE  NEW  JERSEY   [1779. 

Two  or  three  boats  are  much  wanted  at  Elizabeth- 
town  as  guard  boats.  They  would  be  a  great  security 
to  the  Post  and  lessen  the  fatigue  of  the  soldiers.  A 
number  of  men  have  been  sent  into  service  from  each 
county,  who  are  not  armed  and  accoutred  as  the  act 
requires.  Also  many  men  and  boys  have  been  enlisted 
in  the  regiment,  who  are  by  no  means  fit  for  soldiers. 
We  have  stood  in  great  want  of  a  muster-master. 

His  Excellency  without  doubt  remembers  that  the 
Governor  and  his  honorable  Privy  Council  called  upon 
Col.  Frelinghuysen  and  myself  to  lake  command  of  the 
state  regiment,  agreeably  to  our  commissions,  which  we 
consented  to  do  until  the  legislature  should  meet.  Col. 
Frelinghuysen  has  been  prevented  from  joining  the 
regiment  in  consequence  of  sickness,  which  still  con 
tinuing,  has  caused  him  to  resign.  His  Excellency  will 
also  recollect  that  I  informed  him  that  I  was  pre- 
engaged  by  the  trustees  of  Queen's  College,  and  that  it 
was  with  great  difficulty  that  I  was  able  to  leave  the 
business  of  the  College  until  this  vacation.  But  rather 
than  that  Col.  Frelinghuysen  should  not  take  the 
command  of  the  regiment,  which  he  would  not  accept 
of  unless  I  went  with  him,  I  consented  to  go  until  the 
Assembly  should  meet.  His  Excellency  also  informed 
me,  that  if  Col.  Frelinghuysen  would  agree  to  command 
the  regiment  without  me  that  then  he  would  have  no 
objection  to  my  resigning,  being  a  supernumerary.  The 
Colonel  having  resigned,  that  objection  is  removed,  and 
the  trustees  of  Queen's  College  insisting  upon  my  ful 
filling  my  engagements,  I  hope  I  shall  be  discharged 
from  the  regiment  as  soon  as  possible.  It  is  certain, 


1779.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.       181 

the  business  at  Elizabeth-town  is  too  much  for  one 
person  to  do.  There  ought  to  be  two  fixed  officers 
at  that  Post,  but  I  cannot  be  convinced  of  the  necessity 
of  a  field  officer  being  stationed  at  Newark  ; — a  cap 
tain's  command  is  sufficient  for  that  place. 

I  should  have  done  myself  the  honor  of  waiting  upon 
your  Excellency  in  person,  but  being  seized  with  a 
severe  fever  last  Monday  night,  which  still  continues, 
prevents  my  going  to  Trenton  at  present. 

I  shall  be  much  obliged  to  your  Excellency  to  lay 
this  before  the  Assembly  as  soon  as  you  shall  think 
proper. 

I  remain,  with  great  respect,  your  very  humble  ser 
vant,  JOHN  TAYLOR, 

1st  Col.  New  Jersey  State  Regiment. 
His  Excellency,  Gov'r  LIVINGSTON. 

From  General  Washington  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Head  Quarters,  West  Point,  Sept  27th,  1779. 
DEAR  SIR, — Several  concurring  reports  lead  so 
strongly  to  a  supposition  that  a  French  squadron  may 
be  approaching  our  coast,  that  I  think  we  cannot  with 
propriety  altogether  neglect  them.  If  this  should  take 
place  it  will  be  incumbent  upon  us  to  exert  our  utmost 
resources  in  a  co-operation ;  and  I  shall  be  under  a 
necessity  of  applying  to  the  adjacent  states  for  very 
considerable  aids  of  men  and  supplies,  particularly  in 
the  article  of  flour,  of  which  our  prospects  are  extremely 
limited,  and  unpromising.  In  the  present  uncertainty, 


182         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1779. 

without  any  official  advice  of  the  event,  I  do  not  think 
we  should  be  justified  in  adding  to  our  embarrassments 
by  calling  out  a  body  of  militia  beforehand :  but  I 
thought  it  my  duty  to  give  your  Excellency  the  present 
intimation,  that  you  may  have  the  goodness  to  precon 
cert  such  arrangements  as  will  be  best  adapted  to  a 
prompt  and  effectual  compliance  with  the  application  I 
may  have  occasion  to  make.  These,  as  I  observed, 
will  reach  to  a  speedy  and  ample  supply  of  even  pro 
visions,  and  I  may  add  the  means  of  transportation, 
which  will  also  require  particular  attention  in  an  emer 
gency  of  this  kind. 

It  will  be  essential  that  the  men  should  come  out 
properly  equipped  and  organized,  that  there  may  be  no 
delay  or  trouble  on  this  head — and  that  they  should  be 
obliged  to  serve  for  a  term  of  two  or  three  months  after 
they  join  the  army. 

Your  Excellency  will  be  sensible  how  much  the 
honor  and  interest  of  these  states  must  be  concerned 
in  a  vigorous  co-operation,  should  the  event  I  have  sup 
posed  happen,  and  I  shall  place  the  fullest  confidence  in 
that  wisdom  and  energy  which  your  Excellency's  con 
duct  has  afforded  such  frequent  and  decisive  proofs. 

With  the  most  perfect  respect  and  esteem,  I  have  the 
honor  to  be  your  Excellency's  most  obd't  serv't, 

G°  WASHINGTON. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


1779.]     EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.    183 

From  Enos  Kelsey  to  the  Speaker  of  the  Assembly. 

Princeton,  September  27th,  1779. 

SIR, — I  herewith  hand  you  an  estimate  of  sundry 
things  now  wanted  for  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the 
Jersey  brigade,  with  the  prices  annexed  to  the  same,  as 
nearly  as  these  times  of  uncertainty  will  admit  of.  As 
I  am  now  on  my  way  to  Philadelphia,  I  mean  to  call 
on  the  clothier-general  immediately,  and  procure  from 
him  as  many  of  the  articles  as  possible.  Such  as  I 
cannot  get  that  way,  I  intend  purchasing,  as  far  as  my 
money  will  extend,  which  is  £28,539.  5.  0.  My  whole 
attention  at  present,  I  believe,  ought  to  be  paid  to  the 
clothing  of  the  soldiers  only.  I  therefore  intend  at  this 
time  to  engage  the  stockings,  which  I  think  can  readily 
be  done,  purchase  linen  for  one  shirt  each,  and  set  them 
a  making  fast  as  possible.  The  coats  I  have  some 
hope  of  receiving  from  the  clothier-general,  as  I  am 
well  assured  he  has  a  great  many  on  hand.  The  arti 
cles  for  the  officers,  I  informed  you  before,  cannot  be 
obtained  in  Philadelphia  or  Baltimore,  agreeably  to 
their  returns,  and  as  I  wish  to  gratify  them  in  every 
thing  that  is  reasonable,  would  propose  going  to  Boston 
for  them,  upon  the  following  conditions,  viz.  to  be 
found  a  horse,  and  have  my  expenses  paid,  and  also  the 
expenses  of  one  other  person  to  go  with  me,  as  you 
must  know  it  would  hardly  be  possible  for  me  to  take 
so  large  a  sum  of  money  alone,  besides  I  should  not 
choose  to  go  alone  with  so  considerable  a  charge,  as 
near  30  thousand  pounds.  You  can  think  of  the  pro- 


184        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1779. 

posal  till  my  return,  and  should  it  appear  reasonable, 
and  the  house  should  agree  to  my  going,  I  will  under 
take  the  journey.  If  not,  I  am  content  to  provide  for 
the  officers  here,  as  well  as  it  can  be  done,  although  I 
believe  my  scheme  would  be  a  saving  to  the  state  of 
at  least  10  thousand  pounds. 

The  following  are  the  estimates — 
For  the  Soldiers. 

5250  yds.  Linen,  for  Shirts.  1500,  at  140s.  per  yd.         £36,750 

1443  pair  of  Hose,  120s.       "  8,658 

350     "         Shoes,  120s.       "  2,100 

726  yds.  blue  cloth  to  make  coats,  400s.       "  14,520 

150  yds.  scarlet  facing,  600s.       "  4,500 

400  yds.  Osnaburgs,  linings  of  sleeves,        80s.       "  1,600 

300  yds.  Shalloon,  lining  of  coats,  140s.       "  2,100 

£70,228 
For  the  Officers. 

240  yds.  broad  cloth, 

250  doz.  double  gilt  buttons, 

200  yds.  linen  for  lining  breeches, 

80  yds.  buckram, 
Sundry  trimmings  for  80  suits, 

80  pair  shoes, 

80  pair  boots, 

80  hats, 

240  pair  of  hose, 
320  pocket  handkerchiefs, 

£40,960 
I  am  your  ob't  and  hum'e  ser't, 

ENOS  KELSEY. 
Honl.  CALEB  CAMP,  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Assembly, 


80s.  per  yd. 

£19,200 

16s.       " 

2,840 

6s.       " 

1,200 

11s.  5d. 

900 

320 

11s.  5d. 

900 

50s. 

4,000 

70s. 

5,600 

11s.  5d. 

2,700 

70s. 

2,240 

1779.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  185 

From  Governor  Clinton  of  New  York  to  Governor 
Livingston. 

Kingston,  October  4th,  1779. 

SIR, — It  being  represented  that  persons  belonging  to 
this  and  the  neighboring  states  have  without  any  proper 
authority  formed  themselves  into  parties,  and  plunder 
and  commit  other  outrages  upon  the  inhabitants  of 
Long  Island  and  other  places  within  this  state,  in  the 
power  or  possession  of  the  enemy,  the  Senate  and 
Assembly  of  this  state  on  the  1st  and  2d  instant  entered 
into  concurrent  resolutions  on  that  subject,  a  copy  of 
which  I  have  now  the  honor  of  enclosing  to  you,  and 
I  am  to  inform  your  Excellency  that  agreeably  thereto 
I  have  issued  my  proclamation.  But  you  will  readily 
perceive  that  the  measures  adopted  by  this  state  for 
preventing  those  mischievous  practices  will  prove  in 
effectual  unless  they  are  seconded  by  the  co-operation 
of  the  adjacent  states  whose  subjects  are  equally  con 
cerned.  I  am  therefore  to  request  your  Excellency 
that  such  measures  may  be  taken  in  your  state  as  may 
be  deemed  most  effectual  for  preventing  those  abuses  in 
future. 

I  have  only  to  add,  that,  exclusive  of  the  distress 
which  unfortunate  individuals  sustain  by  these  practices, 
I  am  informed  by  the  principal  officers  commanding 
near  the  lines,  that  their  parties  are  thereby  often 
endangered,  and  the  public  service  essentially  injured. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  highest  respect,  your 
Excellency's  most  obedient  servant, 

GEO.  CLINTON. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


186       CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY          [1779. 

Resolution  of  the  New   York  Legislature,  enclosed  in 
the  foregoing. 

State  of  New  York,  in  Assembly,  October  1st,  1779. 

Resolved,  if  the  honorable  the  Senate  concur  herein, 
that  his  Excellency,  the  Governor,  be  requested  forth 
with  to  issue  his  proclamation  strictly  forbidding  all 
persons  whomsoever  to  plunder  the  inhabitants  of  Long 
Island  or  of  any  other  place  in  the  power  or  possession 
of  the  enemy  within  this  state,  and  also  strictly  forbid 
ding  all  persons,  subjects  of  this  state,  to  plunder  any 
inhabitant  or  inhabitants  of  any  other  of  the  United 
States  within  the  power  or  possession  of  the  enemy, 
and  thereby  declaring  that  if  any  person  shall  so  offend 
against  the  law  of  nations  and  the  rights  of  war,  he, 
she,  or  they  so  offending  shall  be  punished  to  the  utmost 
rigor  of  the  law.  And  that  his  Excellency  be  also 
requested  to  write  to  the  executive  powers  of  the  states 
of  Connecticut  and  New  Jersey  earnestly  requesting 
them  respectively  to  issue  a  similar  proclamation,  and 
that  his  Excellency  request  the  several  officers  com 
manding  at  or  near  the  enemy's  lines  within  this  state 
to  take  and  secure  all  such  offenders  and  cause  them  to 
be  sent  to  the  board  of  commissioners  for  detecting  and 
defeating  conspiracies  in  this  state. 

Ordered  that  Mr.  Lott  and  Mr.  Coe  carry  a  copy  of 
the  said  resolution  to  the  honorable  the  Senate  for  con 
currence. 

In  Assembly,  October  3d,  1779. 

A  copy  of  a  resolution  of  the  honorable  the  Senate 
delivered  by  Mr.  Floyd,  was  read,  to  wit  :  "  That  the 


1779.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  187 

Senate  concur  with  this  House  in  their  resolutions  of 
yesterday  that  his  Excellency,  the  Governor,  be  re 
quested  to  issue  his  proclamation  for  the  purposes  in 
that  resolution  mentioned."  Ordered  that  Mr.  F. 
Bancker  and  Mr.  Pawling  wait  on  his  Excellency,  the 
Governor,  with  a  copy  of  the  resolution  of  this  House, 
and  of  the  concurrence  of  the  honorable  the  Senafe. 
A  true  copy  from  the  minutes, 

JOHN  McKESSON,  Cl'k. 


From  General  Washington  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Head  Quarters,  West  Point,  October  4th,  1779. 

SIR, — I  have  the  honor  to  inclose  your  Excellency 
the  copy  of  a  resolution  of  Congress  of  the  26th  Sept. 
by  which  you  will  perceive  they  expect  the  arrival  of 
his  Excellency,  Count  D'Estaing ;  and  that  I  am 
directed  to  pursue  measures  for  co-operating  with  him, 
and  to  call  upon  the  several  states  for  such  aid  as  shall 
appear  to  me  necessary  for  this  important  purpose.  In 
compliance  with  these  directions,  I  have  made  an  esti 
mate  of  the  force  of  militia  which  will  be  indispensable 
in  conjunction  with  the  continental  troops ;  and  have 
apportioned  this  force  to  the  neighboring  states,  accord 
ing  to  the  best  judgment  I  am  able  to  form  of  their 
respective  circumstances  and  abilities.  The  number 
I  have  to  request  from  the  state  of  New  Jersey  is  2000. 

In  framing  this  estimate  I  assure  your  Excellency  I 
have  fixed  upon  the  smallest  number  which  appeared  to 
me  adequate  to  the  exigency  on  account  of  the  scanti- 


188         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1779. 

ness  of  our  supplies ;  and  I  think  it  my  duty  explicitly 
to  declare,  that  the  co-operation  will  altogether  depend 
on  a  full  compliance  with  these  requisitions.  If  I  am 
so  happy  as  to  obtain  the  whole  number  demanded,  a 
decisive  stroke  may  be  attempted  against  New  York 
with  a  reasonable  prospect  of  success.  If  the  supply 
falls* short,  the  disappointment  will  inevitably  produce  a 
failure  in  the  undertaking.  In  this  case  Congress  and 
my  country  must  excuse  a  want  of  enterprise  and  suc 
cess  of  which  the  want  of  means  will  have  been  the 
unfortunate  cause.  If  the  honor  and  interests  of  the 
states  suffer  from  thence,  the  blame  must  not  be  imputed 
to  me.  I  have  taken  the  liberty  to  dwell  on  these  points 
to  induce  a  persuasion  that  I  have  not  exaggerated  in 
any  degree  the  number  of  men  really  necessary,  lest 
a  supposition  of  this  kind  and  a  regard  to  the  case  of 
the  people  should  relax  the  exertions  of  the  state,  and 
occasion  a  deficiency  which  would  certainly  be  fatal  to 
the  views  of  Congress  and  to  the  expected  co 
operation. 

I  am  now  to  add  to  this  request  another  equally- 
essential,  which  is,  that  the  most  effectual  and  expedi 
tious  means  be  immediately  adopted  to  have  the  men 
drawn  out,  properly  equipped  and  embodied  to  serve  for 
the  term  of  three  months  from  the  time  they  join  the 
army,  unless  the  particular  service  on  which  they  are 
drawn  out  should  be  sooner  performed.  I  beg  leave  to 
recommend  Pompton  as  a  proper  place  for  rendezvous. 
If  the  laws  of  the  state  now  in  existence,  or  the  powers 
vested  in  your  Excellency,  are  not  competent  to  these 


1779.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  189 

objects,  permit  me  to  entreat  that  the  legislature  may  be 
called  together  without  loss  of  time,  and  that  you  will 
be  pleased  to  employ  your  influence  to  procure  laws  for 
the  purpose,  framed  on  such  principles  as  will  procure 
an  instant  and  certain  execution. 

There  are  other  objects  which  I  beg  leave  at  the 
same  time  to  recommend  to  the  most  zealous  and 
serious  attention  of  the  state.  These  are  the  making 
every  exertion  to  promote  the  supplies  of  the  arrny,  in 
provisions,  particularly  in  the  article  of  flour,  and  to 
facilitate  the  transportation  in  general  of  necessaries  for 
the  use  of  the  army.  Our  prospects  with  respect  to 
flour  are  to  the  last  degree  embarrassing.  We  are 
already  distressed,  but  when  we  come  to  increase  the 
demand  by  so  large  an  addition  of  numbers  we  may 
expect  to  be  obliged  to  disband  the  troops  for  want  of 
subsistence,  unless  the  utmost  care  and  energy  of  the 
different  Legislatures  are  exerted.  The  difficulties 
daily  experienced  on  the  score  of  transportation  justify 
the  equal  apprehensions  on  that  account,  without  a 
similar  attention  to  this  part  of  the  public  service. 

These  difficulties  were  sufficient  to  deter  me  from 
the  plan  I  mean  to  pursue,  was  I  not  convinced  that  the 
magnitude  of  the  object  will  call  forth  all  the  vigor  of 
the  states,  and  inspire  the  people  with  a  disposition  to 
second  the  plans  of  their  governors,  and  give  efficacy 
to  the  measures  they  adopt.  I  doubt  not  our  resources 
will  be  found  fully  adequate  to  the  undertaking,  if  they 
are  properly  exerted,  and  when  I  consider  the  delicacy  of 
the  crisis,  and  the  importance  of  the  objects  to  be  ob- 


190        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1779. 

tained,  I  cannot  doubt  that  this  will  be  the  case.  On 
one  side,  the  reputation  of  our  councils  and  of  our  arms, 
and  an  immediate  removal  of  the  war  present  them 
selves.  On  the  other,  disgrace  and  disappointment, 
an  accumulation  of  expenses,  loss  of  credit  with  our 
allies,  and  with  the  world ;  loss  of  confidence  in  our 
selves  ;  the  exhausting  of  our  magazine  and  resources ; 
the  precipitated  decay  of  our  currency ;  and  the  con 
tinuance  of  the  war.  Nor  will  these  evils  be  confined 
to  ourselves ;  our  allies  must  share  in  them,  and  suffer 
the  mortification  of  having  accomplished  nothing  to 
compensate  for  withdrawing  their  operations  from  a 
quarter  where  they  liad  right  to  expect  success,  and  for 
exposing  their  own  possessions  to  hazard  in  a  fruitless 
attempt  to  rescue  ours. 

From  the  accounts  received  we  are  hourly  to  look 
for  the  appearance  of  the  French  squadron  on  the 
coast. 

The  emergency  is  pressing,  and  all  our  measures 
should  be  attended  with  suitable  expedition. 

Every  moment  is  of  infinite  value. 

With  the  most  perfect  reliance  on  your  Excellency's 
exertions  and  those  of  the  state,  and  with  the  greatest 
respect  and  esteem, 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  your  Excellency's  most  ob't 
and  h'ble  servant, 

G°  WASHINGTON. 
His  Excellency,  Gov'r  LIVINGSTON. 


1779.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.       191 

From  William  H.  Houston  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  October  5th,  1779. 

SIR, — I  am  sorry  that  it  has  not  been  in  my  power 
to  command  as  much  time  as  I  should  have  wished  to 
employ  in  giving  a  distinct  account  to  the  legislature  of 
the  most  material  occurrences  in  the  progress  of  busi 
ness  since  I  came  to  Congress.  It  is  certainly  the  duty 
of  every  person  in  public  trust  to  make  those  from 
whom  he  derives  his  appointment  acquainted  with  the 
manner  in  which  he  executes  it,  that  they  may  be  able 
to  decide  how  far  he  fulfils  or  deceives  their  expecta- 
tations,  and  to  form  at  any  time,  a  clear  estimate  of  his 
character.  Next  to  want  of  fidelity,  I  look  upon  the 
neglect  of  giving  due  information  to  his  constituents, 
the  greatest  crime  in  a  public  man. 

The  principal  intention  of  this  is  to  point  at  a  ques 
tion  which,  from  accidental  circumstances,  has  acquired 
a  magnitude  and  importance  above  what,  simply  con 
sidered,  it  was  entitled  to.  A  question  which  has  ex 
cited  much  inveteracy  and  ill-blood  in  Congress,  and 
not  a  few  speculations  and  suspicions  abroad.  I  mean 
the  recall  or  rather  the  super-session  of  Mr.  Arthur  Lee, 
Commissioner  of  the  United  States  at  the  Court  of 
Madrid.  I  have  carefully  read  over  the  papers  and 
attended  to  every  feasible  means  of  unbiased  informa 
tion  relative  to  this  question,  and  I  think  I  have  done 
it  with  a  temper  divested  of  prejudice.  The  result  is 
this ;  I  take  Mr.  Arthur  Lee  to  be  a  man  of  a  jealous, 
suspecting,  difficult  disposition :  trusty,  capable  and 


192         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1779. 

industrious.  Indefatigable  above  others  in  procuring 
and  transmitting  intelligence ;  accurate  and  frugal  in 
expenses  and  money  matters ;  simple,  severe,  and  repub 
lican  in  his  manners,  so  much  so,  as  to  be  thought  by 
many  sour  and  inimical.  This  I  take  to  be  his  char 
acter;  and  in  many  essentials  I  am  not  afraid  to  call 
him  equal  to  any  person  Congress  ever  employed  in  a 
similar  capacity  in  Europe.  The  story  hawked  about 
that  his  indiscretions  prevented  the  Court  of  Spain 
from  treating  with  him,  I  cannot  think  believed  by 
those  who  propagate  it,  as  that  conduct  in  the  Spanish 
ministry  is  ascrlbable  to  different  reasons  which  must 
strike  every  person  at  once  who  has  the  least  know 
ledge  of  the  state  of  matters  as  they  respected  that 
power.  But  admitting  he  was  the  best  qualified  and 
most  meritorious  man  on  earth,  is  it  not  my  duty  to  vote 
for  removing  him,  when  the  funds  of  Congress,  are 
absolutely  wasted,  and  the  public  business  not  only 
retarded  but  stopped  by  unavailing  altercations  concern 
ing  an  individual  ?  When  a  general  offers  up  a  forlorn 
hope  to  save  an  army,  the  alternative  is  dreadful ;  but 
the  principle  is  defensible  and  the  practice  of  it  often 
necessary.  I  confess  that  in  a  republic,  where  appro 
bation,  honor,  and  praise,  more  than  money  and  emolu 
ments,  are  the  reward  of  faithful  services,  such  things 
ought  to  be  admitted  with  reluctance  and  caution  ;  yet 
still  they  may  not  be  always  avoidable.  But  further, 
should  it  turn  out  to  be  a  fact,  that  France  was  doubt 
ful  of  him,  and  that  Spain  hesitated,  it  mattered  not 
how  good  a  man  he  was,  one  every  way  inferior,  if 


1779.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  193 

free  from  such  exception,  would  have  been  preferable  for 
the  purpose  of  treating.  The  real  cause  of  delay  being 
now  removed,  it  is  to  be  hoped  the  gentleman  who 
succeeds  Mr.  Lee  will  be  successful.  As  I  would  ever 
wish  to  be  simply  just,  but  at  the  same  time  to  do  what 
is  best,  all  things  considered,  I  have  no  other  request 
than  that  this  state  of  facts  may  be  remembered  another 
day,  when  time  will  throw  light  upon  what  is  now  dark 
prejudice  will  be  extinct,  and  the  means  of  judging 
fairly  will  come  within  the  reach  of  all.  Into  what 
course  of  conduct,  or  to  what  length  of  crimination, 
resentment  may  impel  this  unfortunate  man,  I  am  ex 
cused  from  surmising.  Whether,  as  many  have  done, 
he  will  adhere  to  the  part  he  has  taken  in  spite  of  what 
he  may  think  ill-treatment ;  or  whether,  as  many  have 
also  done,  he  will  transfer  himself  to  a  situation  where 
he  will  expect  more  attention,  does  not  belong  imme 
diately  to  the  present  decision ;  at  least,  I  have  taken 
the  liberty  to  throw  it  out  of  the  balance.  At  all 
events  I  am  happy  this  troublesome  affair  is  ended,  and 
I  hope  it  will  never  rise  up  to  disturb  the  counsels  of 
America  more.  Subjects  of  contention  and  animosity 
are  retiring  one  after  another,  and  unanimity  reviving 
in  Congress  where  it  is  so  essentially  necessary.  Tri 
fles  have  had  their  day,  and  too  long  a  one  it  has  been ; 
matters  of  moment  have  a  claim  to  this,  and  that  it  may 
not  only  be  longer  but  perpetual,  I  am  persuaded  is  the 
ardent  wish  of  every  honest  man. 

Upon  reviewing  what  I   have  written,    a  suspicion 
occurs  that  the  above  representation  may  imply  a  re- 
13 


194         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1779. 

flection  on  the  conduct  of  some  of  my  colleagues,  which 
is  far  from  my  meaning,  as  it  would  be  repugnant  to 
justice.     The  time  is  not  the  same,  other  circumstances 
also  disagree ;  on  the  contrary,  I  must  declare  that  I 
think  their  situation  hard  and  undeserved.     The  whole 
train  of  the  transaction  I  can  trace  minutely.     To  the 
quarter  from  whence  the   accusations  have  originated, 
the  motives  which  inspired  them"  and  the  instruments 
which  have  been  employed  for  their  circulation,  I  am 
not  a  stranger,  nor  am  I  surprised  at  anything  thus  far. 
But  that  their  fellow-citizens  should  entertain  impres 
sions  unfavorable  to  those  they  once  thought  well  of 
and  not  call  for  an  investigation  of  their  conduct,  or 
suspend  their  opinions  till   an  explanation  should  be 
had,  may  perhaps  be  a  matter  of  some  discouragement. 
If  the  gentlemen  know  what  is  alledged  to  their  charge, 
I  am  astonished  they  do  not  apply  for  an  opportunity  of 
justification.     Certainly  if  I  should  ever  be  of  import 
ance  enough  to  be  found  fault  with,  I  should  expect  the 
liberty  of  explaining  facts  and  motives ;  after  that  it  is 
the  part  of  an   honest  man  to  submit  in  silence  to  the 
judgment  of  those  who  have  a  right  to  pass  upon  his 
conduct. 

I  enclose  sundry  papers  marked  from  number  1  to  5, 
which  I  have  met  with  since  I  came  to  this  place,  and 
which  I  have  copied  for  the  sight  of  such  gentlemen  of 
the  legislature  as  may  think  it  worth  their  trouble  to 
read  them.  They  relate  to  a  matter  which  was  before 
the  legislature  at  their  last  sitting  previous  to  the  pres 
ent.  One,  if  not  more  of  them,  is  on  the  files  of  the 


1779.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.          195 

Assembly,  They  may  be  of  use  on  some  future  occa 
sion,  but  my  principal  object  in  copying  them  is  to 
communicate  the  noble  and  dignified  sentiments  of  the 
commander- in-chief,  and  to  give  some  idea  of  the  diffi 
culties  he  has  to  encounter.  If  ever  any  man  deserved 
gratitude  and  confidence  he  does,  and  the  more  espe 
cially  as  his  modesty  will  never  allow  him  to  be  sated 
with  the  former,  nor  his  goodness  of  heart  to  abuse  the 
latter.  His  letter  marked  No.  2,  is  an  example  in  its 
kind. 

It  is  necessary  that  I  give  you  the  trouble  communi 
cating  to  the  House  the  substance  of  this  lengthened 
letter.  I  have  no  idea  they  will  have  patience  to  go 
over  the  whole. 

I  am,  with  due  respect,  your  obed't  and  h'mble 
servant, 

WILLIAM  H.  HOUSTON. 


Proceedings  of  the  Legislature  of  New  York. 

State  of  New  York,  in  Assembly,  Oct.  22,  1779. 

A  letter  from  the  legislature  of  the  state  of  New 
Jersey,  dated  the  29th  September  last,  to  the  legislature 
of  this  state,  proposing  a  general  regulation  and  limita 
tion  of  prices  to  be  taken  for  every  kind  and  article  of 
labor,  manufacture  and  trade,  was  read. 

Ordered,  that  the  said  letter  be  committed  to  a  Com 
mittee  of  the  whole  House, 

State  of  New  York,  in  Assembly,  Oct.  29,  1779. 

Mr.  Gordon,  from  the  Committee  of  the  whole  House, 


196         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1779. 

to  whom  was  committed  the  letter  from  the  legislature 
of  the  state  of  New  Jersey,  of  the  29th  Sept.  last,  to 
the  legislature  of  this  state,  proposing  a  general  regula 
tion  of  prices  to  be  taken  for  every  kind  and  article  of 
labor,  manufacture,  and  trade,  reported  that  the  said 
Committee  had  entered  into  certain  resolutions,  which 
being  read,  were  agreed  to  by  the  House,  and  are  as 
follows,  (to  wit  :)^ 

Resolved,  In  case  of  concurrence  by  the  honorable 
the  Senate,  that  Mr.  President  and  Mr.  Speaker  be  di 
rected  to  write  to  the  delegates  for  this  state  in  Congress 
transmitting  to  them  a  copy  of  the  letter  from  the  legis 
lature  of  the  state  of  New  Jersey,  of  the  29th  of  Sept. 
last,  upon  the  subject  of  a  regulation  of  prices,  and 
copies  of  the  letter  from  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
state  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  of  the  20th  Sept.  last,  upon 
the  same  subject,  and  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Senate 
and  Assembly  thereon,  and  in  the  name  of  the  legisla 
ture  of  this  state,  to  instruct  the  said  delegates  earnestly 
to  press,  (either  separately  or  in  conjunction  with  the 
delegates  of  any  other  or  others  of  the  said  United 
States,)  Congress  to  pursue  such  measures  as  they  shall 
in  their  wisdom  judge  proper  for  regulating  the  prices 
of  produce,  merchandize,  and  labor;  and  to  assure 
Congress,  that  the  legislature  of  this  state  will  by  every 
means  in  their  power,  carry  into  execution  any  other 
plan  which  the  wisdom  of  Congress  may  devise  for 
preventing  the  farther  depreciation,  and  restoring  the 
credit  of  the  continental  currency. 

Resolved,  In  case  of  such  concurrence  as    aforesaid, 


1779.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  197 

that  his  excellency,  the  Governor,  and  he  is  hereby 
requested,  on  receipt  of  any  recommendation  from 
Congress  for  the  purpose  of  a  regulation,  immediately 
to  convene  the  legislature. 

Resolved,  In  case  of  such  concurrence  as  aforesaid, 
that  Mr.  President  and  Mr.  Speaker  write  to  his  Excel 
lency,  the  President  of  the  Council,  and  the  honorable 
the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Assembly  of  the  State  of 
New  Jersey,  acknowledging  the  receipt  of  their  afore 
said  letter,  returning  the  congratulations  therein  con 
tained,  and  inclosing  them  copies  of  these  resolutions, 
and  also  copies  of  the  said  letter,  from  the  General  As 
sembly  of  the  state  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  and  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  legislature  thereon. 

Ordered,  that  Mr.  Hardenburg  and  Mr.  Othoudt 
carry  a  copy  of  the  above  resolutions  to  the  Honorable 
the  Senate. 

State  of  New  York,  in  Assembly,  Oct.  25,  1779. 
A  copy  of  a  resolution  of  the  Honorable  the  Senate, 
delivered  by  Mr.  Russell,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  (to  wit :) 

Resolved,  That  this  Senate  do  agree  with  the  Hon 
orable  the  Assembly  in  the  several  resolutions  entered 
into  by  that  Honorable  House  in  consequence  of  the 
letter  from  the  legislature  of  the  State  of  New  Jersey, 
of  the  29th  September  last. 

True  copies, 

JOHN  McKESSON,  Clerk. 


198         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1779. 

From  the  Legislature  of  Ntw  York  to  the  Governor 
and  Assembly  of  New  Jersey,  transmitting  the  fore 
going  Proceedings. 

Kingston,  October  25,  1779. 

GENTLEMEN, — We  are  directed  by  the  legislature  of 
this  state,  respectfully  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of, 
and  return  the  congratulations  contained  in,  your  letter 
of  the  29th  of  September  last.  Not  only  the  import 
ance  of  the  subject,  but  the  attention  due  to  the  com 
munication  of  a  sister  state,  required  that  your  letter 
should  receive  our  most  mature  consideration.  It  was 
accordingly  in  each  House  committed  to  a  Committee 
of  the  Whole,  and  the  result  was  an  instruction  to  our 
delegates  earnestly  to  press  Congress  to  recommend  to 
the  several  states  to  pass  laws  regulating  the  price  of 
produce,  merchandize,  and  labor,  and  to  assure  Con 
gress  of  the  readiness  of  this  state  to  comply  with  such 
recommendation  ;  and  a  request  to  the  Governor  imme 
diately  upon  the  receipt  of  such  recommendation,  to 
convene  the  legislature,  as  you  will  see  from  the  en 
closed  copies  of  the  resolutions  which  were  passed  on 
the  occasion. 

During  our  present  session  we  received  a  letter 
from  the  General  Assembly  of  the  state  of  Massachu 
setts  Bay  upon  the  same  subject,  a  copy  whereof 
we  also  do  ourselves  the  honor  to  transmit  to  you, 
together  with  copies  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Senate 
and  Assembly  thereon. 


L779.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  199 

We   are,  gentlemen,  with  perfect  esteem,  your  most 
ob't  serv'ts, 

By  order  of  the  Senate, 

PIERRE  VAN  CORTLANDT,  Pres't. 
By  order  of  the  Assembly, 

EVERT  BANCKER,  Speaker. 

His  Excellency,  WILL.  LIVINGSTON,  Governor  of  the 
State  of  New  Jersey,  and  the  Hon.  Caleb  Camp, 
Speaker  of  the  House  of  Assembly. 


From  Isaac  Collins  to  the  Legislative  Council. 

Trenton  Printing  Office,  October  30th,  1779. 

GENTLEMEN, — The  clerk  of  the  Council  delivered  to 
me  yesterday  a  resolution  of  your  lion.  House,  dated 
Trenton  Council  chamber,  October  29th,  1779,  requi 
ring  me  immediately  to  inform  the  Council  who  the 
author  of  the  publication  inserted  in  the  New  Jersey 
Gazette,  No.  96,  under  the  signature  of  "  Cincinnatus" 
is,  and  at  whose  request  the  same  was  published. 

Were  I  to  comply  with  the  requisition  contained  in 
this  resolution,  without  the  permission  of  the  author  of 
the  piece  alluded  to,  I  conceive  I  should  betray  the  trust 
reposed  in  me,  and  be  far  from  acting  as  a  faithful 
guardian  of  the  liberty  of  the  press.  I  may  further 
say  that  I  am  entirely  at  a  loss  to  conjecture  upon  what 
ground  this  requisition  has  been  made  ;  for  it  is  evident 
that  the  piece  in  question  does  not  contain  the  most 
distant  disrespectful  allusion  to  your  honorable  body. 

For  the   above    reasons,    gentlemen,    I   finc|    myself 


200         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1779. 

under  the  disagreeable  necessity  of  declining  to  comply 
with  your  orders.  In  any  other  case  not  incompatible 
with  good  conscience  or  the  welfare  of  my  country,  I 
shall  think  myself  happy  in  having  it  in  my  power  to 
oblige  you. 

I  am,  gentlemen,  yours  very  respectfully, 

ISAAC  COLLINS. 
To  the  hon.  Legislative  Council  of  the  state  of  N.  J. 

House  of  Assembly,  October  29th,  1779. 

The  House  of  Assembly  having  taken  into  conside 
ration  the  message  from  Council  of  yesterday  by  Mr. 
Talman  relative  to  a  certain  "piece"  published  in  the 
New  Jersey  Gazette,  No.  96,  signed  "  Cincinnatus" 

Resolved,  That  this  House  do  not  concur  in  the 
resolution  therein  contained. 

Ordered,  that  Mr.  Smock  and  Mr  Neilson  do  wait 
on  the  Council  and  acquaint  them  therewith. 

By  order  of  the  House, 

M.  EWING,  JR.,  Clerk. 


From  William  H.  Houston  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  November  12th,  1779. 

SIR, — In  my  last  I  was  under  a  misconception  relative 
to  the  embargo  law  of  the  state  of  Pennsylvania.  1 
find  that  by  a  transient  attention  to  it  I  accidentally 
mistook  for  an  act  a  bill  printed  in  the  Pennsylvania 
Packet  for  public  consideration,  and  which  did  not  pass. 
The  embargo  now  in  operation  here  is  not  conditional 


1779.]     EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.    201 

but  absolute  as  ours.  It  is  my  duty  to  notice  the  mis 
take,  lest  it  should  be  instrumental  in  giving  impressions 
unfavorable  and  unjust. 

Every  day  brings  me  fresh  uneasiness  respecting  the 
supply  of  the  general  treasury.  The  expectation  of 
Count  D'Estaing's  visiiing  our  coasts  in  this  quarter 
has  created  a  flood  of  expense,  and  the  means  of  de 
fraying  it  are  narrowing  fast.  If  the  taxes  for  the  present 
year  are  not  fully  and  punctually  paid  in,  every  thing 
but  hope  holds  up  discouraging  prospects.  All  the  states 
must  see  the  necessity  of  exertion,  and  1  dare  believe 
New  Jersey  will  not  be  behind  the  foremost.  The 
close  of  this  campaign  is  set  down  for  the  era  of  reform 
ation  in  the  per  centage  departments,  to  say  no  more, 
and  especially  if  we  are  so  fortunate  as  to  carry 
through  a  limitation  of  prices.  Afterwards,  it  is  to  be 
confided,  expenditures  will  be  much  less. 

As  to  the  payment  of  the  taxes  for  1780, 1  mentioned 
in  my  last  that  it  was  hardly  to  be  imagined  any 
monthly  assessment  or  collection  could  be  made  in  our 
state,  though  if  it  were  practicable  it  has  its  advantages. 
It  is  rather  to  be  supposed  that  the  legislature  will  lay 
the  amount  in  two  or  three  payments,  and  collect  the 
taxes  for  support  of  government  along  with  one  or  all 
of  them.  I  have  before  mentioned  the  case  of  two 
payments.  If  three  are  preferred,  being  one  million 
twelve  thousand  five  hundred  pounds,  each  payment, 
they  come,  at  equal  intervals,  the  first  of  February, 
May  and  August.  The  legislature  may  also  probably 
consider  whether  taxes  are  not  more  easily  paid  in  the 


'202        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1779. 

spring  than  in  the  summer,  and  lay  more  at  that  season. 
There  would  also  be  another  advantage  in  this  policy, 
the  money  will  probably  be  more  wanted  at  the  time 
these  taxes  are  calculated  to  begin  than  towards  the 
middle  or  latter  end  of  the  year. 

There  is  one  clear  and  obvious  principle  on  which 
all  taxation  ought  to  be  rested,  and  if  it  could  be  laid 
as  a  ground-work,  and  extend  through  our  tax  laws, 
payment  would  not  only  be  practicable  but  light  and 
easy  ;  it  is  that  every  man  be  called  upon  to  pay  in 
exact  proportion  to  his  ability,  all  things  considered. 
The  practice  of  this  principle,  I  confess,  can  never  be 
obtained  precisely,  but  it  is  a  point  of  perfection  to 
which  laws  may  be  directed,  and  to  which  they  may 
continually  more  and  more  verge.  The  nearer  an 
assessment  approximates  to  this,  the  more  just  it  is. 
Why  is  it  not  proper  to  estimate  every  part  of  the 
whole  aggregate  estate,  be  the  kind  of  property  what  it 
may,  according  as  it  is  of  use  and  emolument  to  the 
owner  or  possessor,  and  all  acquisitions  currently  arising 
from  advantages  and  opportunities  ?  This  maxim  is 
practiced  upon  in  some  of  the  states,  and  comprehended 
in  the  short  description  of  taxing  a  man  according  to 
his  family.  The  whole  debt  of  the  Union  does  not 
amount  to  one  hundred  dollars  a  head,  and  if  set  off 
on  the  scale  of  strict  justice  would  not  perhaps  to  the 
poor  be  more  than  the  price  of  three  or  four  days  work 
on  a  taxable.  Our  state,  it  would  seem,  has  always 
been  in  the  custom  of  taxing  lands  too  deeply,  and 
there  are  many  kinds  of  property  and  sources  of 


1779.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  203 

wealth  and  income  which  have  never  paid  any  thing. 
I  enclose  for  the  perusal  of  such  as  are  curious,  and 
have  not  seen  it,  the  case  of  the  sloop  Active,  which 
has  produced  a  dispute  between  Congress  and  the  state 
of  Pennsylvania.  The  nature  of  this  case  will  be 
plainly  collected  from  the  printed  proceedings  of  the 
court  of  Admiralty  before  which  it  was  tried.  I  men 
tion  what  further  is  necessary  to  give  an  adequate  idea 
of  the  cause  of  difference.  In  the  court  of  Admiralty 
the  jury  gave  one  fourth  to  the  insurgents  and  three 
fourths  to  the  libellant,  and  another  cruiser  in  sight  at 
the  time  of  the  capture.  From  the  decision,  which  is 
said  to  be  wholly  on  matter  of  fact,  the  insurgents 
appealed.  The  court  of  Appeals  decreed  the  whole  to 
them,  and  directed  the  Judge  of  Admiralty  of  the  state 
of  Pennsylvania  to  see  their  sentence  executed.  The 
Judge  refused,  as  the  law  by  which  the  maritime  court 
is  established  in  that  state  allows  an  appeal  on  matters 
of  law  only,  and  does  not  permit  the  facts  found  by  a 
jury  to  be  re-examined.  Much  law  ammunition  has 
been  spent  on  the  occasion,  and  the  difference  is  not 
yet  adjusted.  Certain  it  is  that  by  the  resolutions  of 
Congress  of  1775,  an  admiralty  jurisdiction  say,  the 
facts  shall  be  established  by  a  jury.  Lawyers  say  there 
is  this  distinction  between  trials  by  jury  and  trials 
by  witnesses,  that  in  the  former  case  the  facts  found 
are  not  re-examined,  in  the  latter  they  are.  Our  luw 
for  erecting  a  court  of  Admiralty,  allows  an  appeal  in 
all  cases  whatsoever,  but  it  must  be  acknowledged  that 
an  appeal  on  matter  of  fact  from  the  verdict  of  a  jury 


204         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1779. 

has  not  a  good  sound.  And  yet  juries  are  too  often 
worse  qualified  to  decide  in  maritime  causes  than  any 
other. 

You  have  also  a  report  of  the  commissioners  ap 
pointed  by  General  Washington  in  April  last  to  settle  a 
course  for  the  exchange  of  prisoners  with  the  commis 
sioners  of  General  Clinton.  It  has  been  already  pub 
lished  in  newspapers.  It  is  with  pleasure  I  also  send 
an  extract  from  the  general  orders  of  the  commander- 
in-chief  of  29th  July  last.  The  virtues  of  this  amiable 
man  as  a  citizen  are  no  less  conspicuous  than  his  spirit 
and  perseverance  as  a  soldier.  To-morrow  will  be 
published,  by  order  of  Congress,  the  news  from  the 
southward.  You  will  hear  it  with  concern.  The 
raising  of  the  seige  of  Savannah  is  not  so  much  to  be 
regretted  in  itself  as  the  consequent  exposure  of  a  large 
extent  of  country,  the  inhabitants  of  which  must  una 
voidably  suffer  before  succour  can  arrive  to  them.  Let 
us  however  remember  what  has  so  often  happened,  that 
confidence  is  the  road  to  disappointment,  and  where  our 
prospects  are  least  promising  from  thence  success  often 
comes.  Nesquam  desperandum  est  de  Republica. 

I  am,  sir,  with  due  regard,  your  obed't  h'ble  servant, 
WILLIAM  H.  HOUSTON. 


From  the  Delegates  in  Congress  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  November  22d,  1779. 

SIR, — Enclosed  you  have  the  result  of  the  delibera 
tions    of  Congress  on  the  representation    of  the    7th 


1779.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  205 

ultimo  respecting  a  general  limitation  of  prices.     We 
beg  leave  to  say  that  with  attention  to  the  interests  of 
the  union  in  general  and  the  state  in  particular,  and  also 
to  the   convenience  of  the  legislature,  we  have  left  no 
means    untried    to  give   success   and    dispatch   to  the 
business.     The  legislature,  we  flatter  ourselves,  will  be 
disposed  to   overlook  any  defects  in  the  plan  recom 
mended  by    Congress  compared   with   the  scope   and 
tenor   of  their  representation,   when   they  reflect  that 
different  states  as  well  as  individuals,  however  they  may 
coincide  in  the  main  substance  of  a  measure,  vary  often 
in  their  ideas  on  particular  parts,  and  also  when   they 
are  informed  that  what  we  have  now  the  pleasure  to 
transmit  has  passed  with  a  great  degree  of  unanimity. 
For  the  sake  of  this  and  greater  expedition,  policy  dic 
tated  to  concede  a  little.     From  appearances  we  think 
ourselves  justified  to  say  that  the  measure  recommended 
will  in  all  probability  be  universally  adopted  throughout 
the  union.     The  date  of  commencement  is  more  distant 
than  could  have  been  wished,  but  when  the  remoteness 
of  some  of  the  states  is  considered,  as  also  that  many 
of  the  legislatures  are  not  sitting,  and  that  the   limita 
tions  ought  to  take  place  at  the  same  time  every  where, 
it  could  not  well  be  gainsayed.     Other  arguments  also 
have  been  urged,  tending  to  shew  that  this  will  give 
fuller    efficacy   to  the   measure,  by   giving  people   an 
opportunity  to   provide  against  losses  and   disappoint 
ments  to  their  essential  prejudice.     The  ratio  of  prices 
to  those  current  formerly,    though  by  many  thought  too 
large,  is  set  at  a  limit  which  we  hope  will  produce  an 


206         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1779. 

easy  turn  to  the  tide  of  depreciation,  and  make  a 
further  reduction  in  due  time  more  natural  and  prac 
ticable. 

We  have  the  honor  to   be,  with  all  respect,  your 
obed't  h'ble  servants, 

JNO.  WITHERSPOON, 

NATH.  SCUDDER, 

JOHN  FELL, 

WILLIAM  H.  HOUSTON. 


From  General  Washington  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Head  Quarters,  Morristown  Dec.  21st,  1779. 

SIR, — Notwithstanding  the  enemy  have  been  for 
some  time  past  making  demonstrations  of  sending 
detachments  from  New  York,  they  still  continue  there 
with  their  whole  collected  force.  On  our  part,  we  have 
lately  been  obliged  to  maintain  a  considerable  body  of 
troops  to  the  southward,  and  a  part  of  those  which 
remain  are  daily  leaving  us  from  the  expiration  of  their 
terms  of  service. 

These  and  many  other  reasons  that  must  occur  to 
your  Excellency  will  point  out  the  possibility  that  Sir 
Henry  Clinton  may  be  induced  shortly  to  undertake  an 
operation  in  this  state,  and  show  the  propriety  of  our 
using  every  precaution  to  defeat  his  attempts.  The 
best  way  indeed  to  prevent  his  undertaking  any  thing, 
is  to  be  well  prepared  to  receive  him.  On  this  principle 
I  am  to  intreat  that  a  plan  may  be  concerted  without 
loss  of  time  to  call  out  the  whole  militia  of  the  state  in 


1780.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  207 

the  speediest  manner,  should  the  event  I  have  mentioned 
take  place.  It  will  also  be  requisite  that  they  should 
come  provided  each  man  with  ten  days'  or  a  fortnight's 
provisions,  to  be  paid  for  by  the  public  at  the  current 
value. 

The  state  of  our  magazines  makes  this  indispensable, 
without  which  the  men  would  be  an  incumberance 
rather  than  an  assistance. 

As  soon  as  the  necessary  arrangements  are  made,  I 
shall  be  glad  to  be  informed  of  them,  that  I  may  knowr 
what  correspondent  measures  are  to  be  taken  on  my 
'part. 

Conventional  signals  to  convey  the  alarm  throughout 
the  state  must  be  one  essential  part  of  the  plan,  and 
places  of  rendezvous  another. 

Your  Excellency  I  am  persuaded  will  see  the  neces 
sity  of  the  measure,  which  I  have  now  the  honor  to 
propose,  and  will  give  it  all  the  support  in  your  power. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  perfect  respect  and 
esteem,  your  Excellency's  most  ob't  serv't, 

G°  WASHINGTON. 
His  Excellency,  Gov'r  LIVINGSTON. 


From  General  Washington  to  Governor  Livingston. 
Head  Quarters,  Morristown,  February  20th,  1780. 

SIR, — Your  Excellency  will  have  received,  I  make 
no  doubt,  a  copy  of  an  act  of  Congress  of  the  9th 
instant,  ascertaining  the  quotas  of  non-commissioned 
officers  and  privates,  to  be  furnished  by  the  respective 


208         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1780. 

states  for  the  ensuing  campaign,  and  directing  all  the 
men  in  any  of  the  additional  corps,  the  guards,  artillery, 
and  horse,  and  the  regimented  artificers  in  the  depart 
ments  of  the  Ciuarter-Master-General,  and  the  Commis 
sary-General  of  military  stores,  as  well  as  those  of  the 
battalions  in  the  state  lines,  whose  terms  of  service  do 
not  expire  before  the  last  of  September  next,  to  be 
counted  as  part  of  the  quotas  of  the  states  to  which 
they  respectively  belong. 

The  quota  of  the  state  of  New  Jersey  is  fixed  at 
1620,  and  I  have  now  the  honor  to  inclose  your  Excel 
lency  a  special  return  of  the  non-commissioned  officers 
and  privates  in  the  third  battalion,  and  of  those  belong 
ing  to  her  in  Lamb's  artillery,  Spencer  and  Hay's  regi 
ments.  Major  Gibb's  corps  of  guards,  artillery,  artifi 
cers,  designating  in  a  particular  manner,  the  proportion 
engaged  for  the  war  and  by  monthly  columns,  the  pe 
riods  when  and  in  what  proportion  the  services  of  the 
rest  will  expire.  Your  Excellency  will  observe  by  the 
act,  that  the  men  whose  engagements  expire  before  the 
last  of  September,  as  I  have  already  taken  the  liberty 
to  mention,  are  not  to  be  counted  as  part  of  the  1620 
and  therefore,  according  to  the  return  inclosed,  the 
deficiency  to  be  raised  is  547.  There  are  however, 
one  or  two  corps  besides  these  I  have  mentioned,  not 
acting  immediately  with  this  part  of  the  army,  in  which 
there  may  be  some  men  belonging  to  this  state,  and  I 
consider  it  as  an  unlucky  circumstance,  that  I  have  not 
such  return  of  them  in  my  possession  as  will  ascertain 
the  point  and  the  credit  to  which  the  state  may  be  enti 
tled  in  consequence. 


1780.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  209 

Major  Lee's  corps  is  the  one  in  which  it  is  most 
likely  that  there  are  some  men  under  his  discipline,  and 
I  have  written  to  him  or  the  commanding  officer  of  his 
corps,  to  furnish  your  Excellency,  without  delay,  with  a 
particular  state  of  them.  If  it  should  be  the  case,  I 
also  expect  returns  of  one  or  two  more  other  corps  in 
the  course  of  a  few  days,  when  if  there  are  any  men 
in  them  belonging  to  the  state,  I  shall  take  the  earliest 
occasion  to  communicate  it  and  their  number.  I  have 
thought  it  more  advisable  to  transmit  the  present  return 
than  to  delay  it  till  those  of  every  little  detached  corps 
could  be  collected,  as  the  wants  of  those,  admitting  there- 
should  be  a  few  men  belonging  to  the  state  in  some  of 
them,  can  make  no  material  difference  with  respect  to 
the  deficiency  to  be  levied :  and  as  the  postponing  the 
business  on  that  account  would  interfere  essentially  with 
the  views  of  Congress,  and  indeed  entirely  defeat  them, 
as  to  the  time  assigned  for  the  recruits  taking  the  field. 
At  any  rate  this  must  be  found  too  short  for  those  of 
those  of  the  more  remote  states,  especially  where  their 
legislatures  are  to  be  convened.  I  would  observe, 
before  I  conclude,  that  this  return  bears  the  fullest  num 
ber  of  men  under  every  description  that  the  state  can 
have  in  her  three  battalions,  and  the  other  corps  which 
it  comprehends ;  and  they  would  most  probably  be 
found,  if  an  actual  inspection  could  take  place,  to  fall  a 
good  deal  short  of  the  complement,  as  there  is  always 
a  material  difference  between  an  army  on  paper,  and 
its  real  efficient  strength. 

A  comparative  view  between  the  total  of  an  army  as 
14 


210       CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY          [1780. 

borne  upon  every  general  return  and  the  column  of 
present  fit  for  duty  and  the  absentees  that  can  be  satis 
factorily  accounted  for,  demonstrates  this  beyond 
question. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  highest  respect  and 
esteem,  your  Excellency's  most  obed't  serv't. 

G°  WASHINGTON. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


From  Chief  Justice  Symmes  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Morristown,  February  14th,  1780. 

SIR, — I  beg  leave  to  trouble  your  Excellency,  and  the 
honorable  gentlemen  of  the  legislative  Council  of  the 
state,  with  a  subject  which  has  for  some  time  past 
given  me  much  concern. 

Application  has  been  made  to  me,  as  a  magistrate  of 
tbe  state  of  New  Jersey,  for  a  redress  of  wrongs  by 
soldiers  in  the  continental  army,  from  this  and  one  other 
state,  who  say  that  they  are  aggrieved  by  being  denied 
a  discharge,  after  a  term  of  three  years,  for  which  they 
had  enlisted,  had  expired.  And  that  they  are  obliged, 
with  some  aggravating  circumstances,  to  continue 
yet  in  the  service,  which  they  consider  as  very  discour 
aging  and  oppressive. 

I  would  by  no  means,  sir,  be  understood  as  insinua 
ting  anything  to  the  prejudice  of  the  gentlemen  officers 
of  the  Jersey  or  any  other  line  in  the  American  army; 
no  man  can  be  more  ready  than  I  am  to  allow  them 
the  merit  which  they  are  so  justly  entitled  to  from 


1780.]       EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.     211 

every  citizen  of  the  United  States.  But,  sir,  I  must 
say,  and  am  sorry  for  the  occasion,  that  I  believe  that 
there  is  some  misunderstanding  between  the  officers 
and  their  men,  which  has  unhappily  worked  itself  into 
the  carnp,  by  one  means  or  other.  I  believe  this  to  be 
one,  viz  :  as  numbers  of  the  privates  now  in  the  service 
were  not  enlisted  by  any  one  officer  at  this  time  belong 
ing  to  the  lines,  the  officer  (who  enlisted  the  soldier) 
apon  his  resignation  or  discharge,  has  on  oath  turned 
over  the  soldier  to  the  officer  who  succeeded  him,  as 
having  enlisted  during  the  war ;  the  present  officer  be 
lieves  it  to  be  the  case,  and  is  now  hardly  persuaded 
that  the  fact  is  otherwise. 

I  know  not,  sir,  what  to  do  in  the  affair,  the  matter 
is  of  the  utmost  delicacy;  for  me  to  interfere  at  all  may 
be  attended  with  some  bad  consequences.  It  would 
seem  to  call  in  question  that  superiority  of  the  officer 
over  the  soldier  which  is  vital  in  an  army.  To  reject 
the  complaint  of  the  soldier  altogether  would  be  un 
doubtedly  a  denial  of  that  justice  which  is  the  right  of 
every  subject,  viz.,  to  be  heard  with  respect  to  the 
merits  of  his  cause,  where  the  magistrate  is  allowed  to 
have  jurisdiction.  I  am  warranted  to  say,  sir,  that  so 
great  is  the  discontent  amongst  some  of  the  troops, 
arising  from  this  source,  that  many  have  already  de 
serted,  and  others  say  publicly  in  the  streets  that  they 
will  go  over  to  the  enemy,  if  they  are  denied  that 
justice  which  is  their  due. 

I  beg  leave  only  to  add,  that  it  is  my  full  belief  that 
the  matter  is  by  no  means  unworthy  the  attention  of 


212         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1780. 

your  honorable  House;  but  that  it  calls  in][an  eminent 
manner  for  the  speedy  direction  and  inquiry  of  the 
legislature  of  the  state. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  your  Excellency's  most 
respectful  and  devoted  humble  servant, 

JOHN  CLEVES  SYMMES. 

His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 

From  Abraham  Clark  to  Caleb  Camp,  Speaker  of  the 

Assembly. 

Philadelphia,  February  7,  1780. 

SIR, — The  convention  for  regulating  prices,  have 
adjourned  till  April,  and  I  fear  the  atttempt  will  prove 
abortive.  Virginia  seems  to  hang  back ;  no  members 
have  attended  from  thence,  and  as  far  as  I  can  learn 
none  have  been  appointed,  and  their  legislature  stands 
adjourned  till  May.  I  shudder  at  the  prospect  before 
us ;  a  vigorous  war  to  prosecute,  while  our  money, 
reduced  almost  to  nothing,  is  still  depreciating  with 
rapidity.  The  current  exchange  here  between  haro! 
money  and  paper  is  from  45  to  50  for  one.  In  the 
market  a  paper  dollar  is  estimated  at  present  at  one 
penny,  and  will  soon  be  less  than  a  half-penny  in  all 
probability. 

Congress  have  now  under  consideration  the  appor 
tionment  of  supplies  for  the  army,  to  be  required  of  each 
state  the  present  year.  Our  quota  at  present  stands  at 
18,000  hundred  weight  of  beef  or  pork,  10,000  barrels 
of  flour,  3,758  bushels  of  salt,  3,500  tons  of  hay,  30,000 


1780.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  213 

bushels  of  corn,  oats  or  buckwheat.  The  estimate  of 
prices  is  as  follows ;  Flour  4^  dollars  per  hundred  ; 
summer  fatted  beef  5^  dollars  per  neat  hundred ;  fall 
fatted  do.  6|-. dollars;  stall-fed,  killed  after  January,  7| 
dollars ;  fresh  pork,  7  dollars  per  neat  hundred  ;  salt 
pork,  22  dollars  per  barrel,  containing  200  Ibs. ;  salted 
beef  17|  dollars  per  barrel,  containing  240  Ibs. ;  Indian 
corn  f-  dollar  pr  bushel ;  oats  \ ;  rye  1 ;  buckwheat 
-§-  dollar  pr  bushel;  best  crop  hay,  15  dollars  pr  ton; 
rum  1-|-  dollars  per  gallon  ;  salt  3  dollars  pr  bushel. 

For  my  part,  I  dislike  the  plan  altogether,  as  pur 
chases  ought  to  be  made  where  most  convenient,  having 
regard  to  the  places  where  they  are  to  be  consumed, 
and  the  prices'  in  the  several  states,  which  must  depend 
upon  the  seasons  in  them ;  but  I  am  assured  the  plan  is 
agreeable  to  the  wishes  of  our  legislature,  by  whose 
opinion  J  shall  always  be  governed.  The  salt,  I  fear, 
will  be  procured  with  difficulty  in  our  state,  but  as  the 
prices  above  are  all  estimated  in  specie,  and  that  article 
set  at  3  dollars,  I  dare  not  refuse  it  to  our  state,  specially 
as  other  states  wish  for  that  article,  and  offer  to  take  it 
from  us  in  exchange  for  flour  or  other  provisions  at  the 
estimated  prices  ;  but  as  salt  is  much  higher  estimated 
than  any  other  article,  I  think  we  may  exchange  pro 
visions  for  it,  to  much  greater  advantage,  by  private 
contracts;  or  perhaps  by  promoting  the  manufactory  of 
iron  on  public  account,  we  may  procure  that  article  of 
salt  in  exchange  for  iron,  and  save  our  provisions.  In 
case  our  legislature  shall  desire  to  be  freed  from  procur 
ing  the  salt,  by  taking  upon  them  the  supply  of  other 


214        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1780. 

articles  equivalent  in  value  as  estimated,  by  signifying 
their  pleasure  thereon,  I  am  persuaded  the  matter  can 
be  effected. 

Thus  far  I  had  wrote  before  Congress  took  up  the 
business  of  supplies  this  day.  They  had  before  gone 
through  the  quotas,  and  now  took  into  consideration 
the  prices  as  reported  by  the  Committee,  and  have 
agreed  to  the  price  of  flour  as  above  mentioned ;  the 
next  under  consideration  was  the  price  of  beef,  this  is 
not  finished,  but  will  I  believe  pass  agreeably  to  report, 
many  of  us  would  be  willing  to  alter  some  articles,  did 
we  not  see  that  it  would  derange  all  we  had  before 
done  without  any  material  advantage,  so  that  the  prices 
I  have  mentioned,  though  only  as  reported  from  a  Com 
mittee  from  each  state,  will,  I  believe,  be  agreed  to. 
Should  any  material  alteration  take  place  so  as  to  effect 
our  state,  we  shall  attempt  a  reconsideration  of  quotas. 

I  am,  with  all  due  respects  to  the  General  Assembly, 
your  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

ABRA.  CLARK. 

CALEB  CAMP,  Esq.,  Speaker. 


From  General   Washington  to   Governor  Livingston. 

Head  Quarters,  Morristown,  February  26th,  1780. 
DEAR  SIR, — I  was  last  night  honored  with  your 
Excellency's  letter  of  the  22d.  I  had  on  the  20th 
transmitted  you  as  accurate  a  return  as  could  then  be 
obtained  of  the  number  of  men  serving  in  the  three 
battalions  of  the  state,  and  in  the  additional  corps.  I 


1780.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  215 

have  since  received  a  return  of  Major  Lee's  corps 
dated  the  20th  December  last,  in  which  I  find  fifty  non 
commissioned  officers  and  privates  belonging  to  the 
state.  That  number  is  therefore  to  be  deducted  from 
the  deficiency  struck  in  my  letter  of  the  20th. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  greatest  esteem, 
your  Excellency's  most  ob't  serv't, 

G°  WASHINGTON. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


From   Samuel  Hunting  ton,  President  of  Congress,  to 
Governor  Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  March  20th,  1780. 

SIR, — Your  Excellency  will  receive  herewith  en 
closed  an  act  of  Congress  of  the  18th  instant  calling 
upon  the  several  states  to  bring  in  the  continental 
currency  by  monthly  taxes  or  otherwise,  as  shall  best 
suit  their  respective  circumstances,  in  proportion  to  the 
quotas  assigned  to  each  state,  by  the  resolution  of  the 
7th  of  October  1779,  and  making  provision  for  other 
bills  to  be  issued  in  lieu  thereof  under  the  regulations 
and  restrictions  mentioned  in  the  act. 

This  act  is  the  result  of  much  labor  and  deliberation? 
as  the  happiest  expedient  that  could  be  adopted  to 
extricate  these  states  from  the  embarrassments  of  a 
fluctuating  medium,  and  at  the  same  time  in  some 
measure  afford  the  necessary  means  for  supporting  the 
ensuing  campaign. 

You   will  readily  perceive   the   importance   of  this 


216        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1780. 

measure  and  the  indispensable  necessity  of  unanimity 
in  the  states  in  conforming  thereto.  It  is  requested 
that  there  may  be  no  delay  in  taking  this  act  under 
consideration,  and  that  the  Assembly,  if  not  sitting, 
may  be  convened  as  soon  as  possible  for  that  purpose, 
and  that  the  laws  that  may  be  enacted  in  pursuance 
thereof  be  transmitted  to  Congress  without  delay. 
The  new  bills  will  be  struck  under  the  direction  of  the 
board  of  Treasury  and  sent  to  the  several  states  in  due 
proportion.  You  have  also  enclosed  an  act  of  Con 
gress  of  this  day  recommending  the  revision  of  such 
laws  as  may  have  been  passed  making  the  continental 
bills  a  tender  in  discharge  of  debts,  &c. 

I  have   the   honor   to   be,  with  every  sentiment   of 
esteem  and  respect,  your  Excellency's  humble  servant, 

SAM.  HUNTINGTON,  Pres. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


From  William  H.  Houston  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  May  22d,  1780. 

SIR, — I  have  the  honour  to  enclose  for  the  use  of  the 
Legislature  a  Boston  paper  of  the  8th  inst.  which  I 
have  this  day  received  by  post,  containing  the  act  of 
the  legislature  of  the  state  of  Massachusetts  bay  on  the 
proceedings  of  the  18th  March  last  relative  to  finance. 
I  think  it  my  duty  to  communicate  every  thing  on  this 
subject  which  comes  to  my  hands,  as  to  me  the  matter 
appears  of  the  most  indispensable  importance ;  but 
shall  not  detain  further  upon  it,  having  already  explained 


1780.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  217 

myself  pretty  fully.  I  only  beg  leave  to  observe  that  if 
I  had  not  thought  the  interest  of  the  state  deeply  con 
cerned,  I  should  not  have  been  so  explicit,  especially 
since  I  have  heard  that  a  variety  of  sentiments  prevails 
among  those  who  are  certainly  capable  of  judging. 
This  has  aroused  my  caution,  but  upon  a  careful  review 
of  the  whole  subject,  and  examination  of  all  I  have 
read  and  heard,  I  must  still  venture  to  say  that  some 
thing  is  necessary  to  be  done,  and  that  no  expedient 
appears  to  me  so  promising  and  advisable,  every  cir 
cumstance  considered,  as  the  one  now  in  question. 
By  communicating  the  several  acts  as  I  receive  them, 
I  do  not  expect  that  the  Legislature  will  be  so  much 
influenced  by  example  as  assisted  in  framing  a  law  on 
the  subject.  It  may  indeed  be  matter  of  encourage 
ment  that  the  measure  is  elsewhere  adopted,  but  as  one 
state  cannot  be  injured  by  adopting  it  before  another, 
but  rather  the  contrary,  there  can  be  no  objection  to 
take  early  rank  in  this  instance. 

I  have  heard  it  alledged  that  these  resolutions  involve 
a  breach  of  faith.  Though  no  such  thing  appear  to 
me,  yet  if  by  any  construction  it  is  inferred,  it  will 
probably  operate  to  induce  the  Legislature  to  leave  out 
the  comparison  between  specie  and  the  present  bills, 
and  retain  only  that  between  the  latter  and  the  new 
bills  to  be  emitted.  How  far  this  will  be  an  effectual 
provision  I  pretend  not  to  determine,  the  consequences 
may  be  examined,  and  it  is  of  the  highest  moment  to 
weigh  them. 

Lest  it  should  escape  the  recollection  of  the  Legisla- 


218         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1780. 

ture,  I  take  the  liberty  to  mention  that  the  embargo  act 
continued  the  25th  of  December  last  in  consequence  of 
a  recommendation  of  Congress  of  the  15th  of  the 
same  month  was  limited  to  the  first  of  April  last.  The 
expected  events  of  this  campaign,  the  present  state 
of  provisions,  the  prospects  of  the  coming  crop,  far 
from  being  so  favorable  as  could  be  wished,  all  conspire 
to  urge  the  propriety  of  reviving  and  continuing  that 
act.  The  matter  was  lately  agitated  in  Congress,  but 
as  no  instance  of  exportation  was  known,  except  from 
Delaware,  and  it  was  said  the  embargo  was  in  force  in 
the  other  states,  a  resolution  was  extended  no  farther 
than  Delaware.  We  did  not  mention  New  Jersey, 
because  there  was  no  doubt  the  Legislature  on  advert 
ing  to  the  circumstances  above  mentioned  would  take 
the  necessary  measures. 

The  state  of  Pennsylvania  has  applied  to  Congress 
for  direction  with  respect  to  the  propriety  of  receiving 
the  certificates  given  in  the  staff  departments  in  the 
payment  of  taxes.  As  I  see  the  highest  probability  the 
measure  will  be  approved  and  recommended,  I  take  the 
liberty  to  apprize  the  Legislature.  I  see  no  prospect  of 
any  other  answer  to  the  address  and  representation  of 
the  L5th  of  March  last,  and  am  of  opinion  that  time 
need  not  be  lost  in  waiting  to  hear  from  Congress.  No 
means  in  the  power  of  the  delegates  of  the  state  have 
been  omitted  to  obtain  some  other  mode  of  discharging 
the  debts  due  to  the  inhabitants,  and  avoiding  the  neces 
sity  of  resorting  to  this  expedient,  but  without  effect. 

The  proceedings  of  Saturday  last  you  have  ere  now 


1780.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786. 

received.  I  doubt  not  the  President  has  suggested  the 
propriety  of  secresy,  for  though  these  things  are  noising 
abroad,  they  are  surmises  without  information.  I  speak 
particularly  of  the  contents  of  the  letter.  The  occa 
sion  is  highly  interesting,  and  the  improvement  of  it 
may  be  attended  with  the  most  happy  consequences. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  your  Excellency's  most  obe 
dient  and  humble  servant, 

WILLIAM  H.  HOUSTON. 


From  General  Washington  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Head  Quarters,  Morristown,  June  2d,  1780. 

SIR, — By  the  letter  from  the  honorable  the  committee 
of  Congress  at  Morristown,  which  this  accompanies,, 
your  Excellency  will  find  that  those  gentlemen  and 
myself  after  maturely  considering  the  matter,  deem  it 
essential  to  the  success  of  the  measures  in  contempla 
tion  to  be  carried  on  against  the  enemy,  to  call  on 
the  states  for  certain  aids  of  militia  in  addition  to  the 
requisitions  for  men  already  made ;  and  that  they 
should  be  at  the  places  of  rendezvous  appointed  by  me, 
by  the  15th  day  of  next  month.  The  aid  requested  in 
this  instance  of  your  state  is  founded  on  a  principle  of 
appointment  common  to  all  the  states  from  New  Hamp 
shire  to  Maryland  inclusive  (the  others  on  account  of 
their  distance  and  the  operations  in  the  southern  quar 
ter,  not  being  now  called  on,)  and  is  stated  at  nine 
hundred  and  forty  five,  rank  and  file.  This  number  of 
militia,  well  armed  and  equipped  in  every  other  respect 


220         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1780. 

for  the  field  in  the  best  manner  circumstances  will  admit, 
under  proper  officers,  I  wish  to  be  at  Morristown  at  the 
time  mentioned  by  the  committee,  which  appears  to  me 
a  suitable  place  for  their  rendezvous,  in  the  first 
instance,  and  from  whence  they  will  proceed  on  my 
orders  as  occasion  may  require.  It  will  also  be  mate 
rial,  on  account  of  disciplining  and  organizing  the  men, 
as  well  as  on  account  of  public  economy,  that  they 
should  be  formed  into  full  regiments.  If  this  is  not 
done,  it  will  render  our  arrangements  extremely  difficult 
and  irregular,  and  will  add,  by  greatly  increasing  the 
number  of  officers,  very  considerably  to  the  public 
expense.  I  would  beg  leave  to  observe  that  I  think  the 
whole  number  of  militia  requested  from  your  state 
should  be  comprised  in  two  regiments. 

This  additional  aid  will  not,  I  trust  and  earnestly 
entreat,  impede  in  the  smallest  degree  the  filling  up  the 
regiments  of  the  state  by  drafts  to  their  full  complement 
as  requested  by  the  honorable  the  committee  in  their 
letters  of  the  25th  ultimo. 

This  is  a  point  of  such  great  importance,  so  abso 
lutely  essential  to  give  the  least  prospect  of  success  to 
our  operations,  and  indeed  on  which  they  depend,  that  I 
€ould  not  forbear  mentioning  it.  If  the  regiments  are 
completed  by  drafts,  it  is  possible  our  demand  for  militia 
may  be  a  good  deal  diminished,  but  this  must  be  gov 
erned  by  events,  and  therefore  for  objects  so  very  inter 
esting,  so  important  as  those  to  which  we  at  present 
look,  we  should  provide  whatever  may  be  possibly 
requisite. 


1780.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.         221 

I   have  the    honor  to  be,    with  great  respect  and 
esteem,  your  Excellency's  most  obe't  and  hum.  serv't, 

G°  WASHINGTON. 
His  Excellency,  Gov'r  LIVINGSTON. 


From  William  H.  Houston  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  Sunday  June  4th,  1780,  > 
12  o'clock  at  noon.      ] 

SIR, — A  Mr.  William  Finnie  from  Williamsburg,  in 
Virginia,  is  just  arrived  in  town,  and  brings  the  follow 
ing  intelligence.  That  when  he  was  at  Baltimore,  in 
Maryland,  on  his  way  to  this  place,  a  number  of  letters 
came  to  sundry  persons  there,  from  Richmond,  the 
capitol  of  Virginia,  informing  that  Charlestown  capitu 
lated  on  the  12th  ultimo.  The  news  is  mentioned  to 
come  by  an  express  from  Governor  Rutledge  of  South 
Carolina  to  Congress,  who  was  ordered  to  call  on  his 
route  and  deliver  dispatches  to  Governor  Nash  of  North 
Carolina,  and  Governor  Jefferson  of  Virginia.  This  is 
supposed  to  be  the  reason  he  has  not  yet  reached  Phila 
delphia.  No  particulars  are  mentioned.  The  specula 
tors,  whose  riders  travel  day  and  night  on  such 
occasions,  generally  precede  the  publick  expresses* 
By  a  letter  of  31st  ultimo  from  General  Washington,  I 
find  the  capture  is  credited  at  head  quarters.  What  to 
say  against  report  so  confirmed  I  am  at  a  loss.  The 
probability  certainly  is  against  us.  Nothing  but  official 
certainty  remains  to  be  expected.  If  the  event  has 
taken  place  we  may  hourly  expect  this,  as  the  express 


1222         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1780. 

cannot  be  far  off,  unless  some  extraordinary  accident 
has  befallen  him.  I  do  not  like  to  believe  bad  news, 
but  we  ought  to  be  prepared  for  it. 

The  reflections  which  first  present  themselves  are, 
that  no  greater  stroke  has  befallen  us  since  the  com 
mencement  of  the  war,  and  none  which  has  required 
more  active,  thorough  exertions  to  recover  and  repair  it, 
than  this  will.  It  is  not  said  on  what  terms  the  garri 
son  capitulated,  but  in  all  likelihood  they  cannot  be 
more  favorable  than  prisoners  of  war.  Their  service  is 
lost  to  us,  probably  for  the  campaign.  The  finances 
evidently  mending,  will  be  thrown  aback,  and  without 
.a  speedy  execution  of  the  system  of  18th  March,  per 
haps  return  to  wilder  disorder  than  ever.  No  subject 
whatever  requires  more  attention,  for  money  will  be 
more  necessary  than  ever.  The  effect  upon  the  army, 
as  well  as  upon  the  people,  will  too  probably  be  dispirit 
ing,  especially  at  first;  but  may  be  directly  opposite, 
after  a  little  reflection,  if  the  publick  movements  can 
all  be  made  to  draw  together,  and  no  chasm  or  derange 
ment  happen  before  their  thoughts  and  views  have  time 
to  collect  and  accommodate  themselves  to  the  exigency. 
Bold  councils  are  the  best  in  precarious  times.  I 
would  submit  to  the  legislature  whether  if  this  intelli 
gence  turns  out  fact,  it  would  not  be  best  to  vest  in  the 
Governor  and  Privy  Council,  or  a  greater  quorum  if 
more  proper,  powers  suited  to  the  cast  of  the  occa 
sion.  The  capture  of  Charlestown  and  the  arrival 
of  a  French  fleet,  should  it  happen,  both  require  it. 
The  utmost  reach  of  the  powers  of  the  state  will  be 


1780.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  223 

necessary  in  a  model  which  can  be  speedy  and  effective 
in  execution,  either  to  provide  against  great  evils  or  to 
attempt  great  objects.     The  legislature  of  Pennsylvania 
which  adjourned  last  Thursday,  before  this  news  ap 
peared  in  any  shape,  considering  the  greatness  of  the 
crisis,  empowered  the  Executive  to  proclaim  and  estab 
lish  martial  /aw  in  case  of  necessity  during  the  recess 
of  the  Assembly,  for  limited  periods.     The  Assembly 
has  adjourned  to  September  next.     A  special  council 
composed  of  members  of  both  Houses  might  be  more 
agreeable  to   many,  but  I  say  nothing  of   the  form, 
only  have  taken  the  liberty  to  say  thus  much  concern 
ing  the  thing  itself.     A  correspondence  between  such 
body  and  the  delegates  in  Congress  for  the  state,  might 
be  of  great  use   to  the  state,  should  the  legislature  be 
unanimous  in   adopting  the  measure  so  as  to  give  it 
weight  with  the  people  at  large. 

It  also  occurs  that  early  and  effectual  attention  ought 
to  be  paid  to  the  state,  and  preparation  of  the  militia. 
Great  part  of  the  enemy's  troops  will  return  to  New 
York  immediately  on  the  reduction  of  Charlestown, 
though  if  they  knew  their  true  interest  they  would  all 
leave  New  York  and  go  to  the  southward.  In  the 
event  of  their  coming  back,  their  disposition  to  mischief 
is  too  well  known  to  believe  that  they  will  be  pacific 
toward  New  Jersey.  It  is  not  a  far  sought  reflection 
that  this  disaster,  though  great,  is  not  matter  of  des 
pondence.  Mortals  see  not  futurities,  and  who  can  say 
that  Heaven  does  not  mean  this  to  precede  something 
more  important  to  us  than  it  is  to  the  enemy.  Things 
much  more  unexpected  have  happened. 


224         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1780. 

The  enemy  must  commit  themselves  on  the  ocean 
before  they  can  appear  at  New  York.  Perhaps  it  is 
best ;  history  and  experience  say,  that  young  nations  as 
well  as  men,  are  less  able  than  those  of  riper  age,  to 
bear  that  prosperity  which  is  not  dashed  with  some 
sharpness  of  misfortune.  These  things  fulfil  the  end  of 
God's  government,  where  partial  evil  is  general  good. 
We  pity  our  suffering  brethren,  but  no  man  despairs 
of  the  republick. 

I  am  your  Excellency's  very  obedient  servant, 

WILLIAM  H.  HOUSTON. 


From  William  H.  Houston  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  June  5th,  Vt  80. 

SIR, — You  will  receive  enclosed  two  resolutions  of 
Congress  which  have  doubtless  already  gone  from  the 
President  in  the  ordinary  course  of  communication. 
But  as  papers  sometimes  miscarry,  thought  it  not  amiss 
to  repeat  them.  That  relative  to  deserters  will  certainly 
be  of  moment,  should  any  French  troops  or  the  troops 
of  any  allied  or  co-operating  power,  ever  be  landed  on 
the  American  shores  for  the  purpose  of  giving  assistance 
in  the  prosecution  of  the  war.  The  laws  relative  to 
desertion  will  easily  be  extended  to  secure  and  return 
them.  This  is  not  only  the  duty  of  an  ally,  but  it  is 
our  interest  in  many  respects  and  no  objection  that  I 
know  of  can  be  taken  to  it. 

The  other,  relative    to  the  defence  of  the  interior 
frontiers  against  the  incursions  of  the  savages  is  im- 


1780.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.          225 

portant  to  us.  I  understood,  when  lately  at  Trenton, 
that  there  was  a  bill  before  the  legislature  for  embodying 
a  number  of  militia  to  protect  the  upper  settlements. 
That  no  hesitation  may  hereafter  be  made  relative  to 
the  allowance  of  continental  pay  and  rations  it  would 
be  well  to  take  the  step  New  York  has  taken,  and 
obtain  the  approbation  and  engagement  of  Congress 
or  the  commander-in-chief, — either  will  be  sufficient. 
Every  one  must  be  convinced  of  the  necessity  of  sup 
porting  the  settlements  over  the  mountain  ;  for  if  they 
are  obliged  to  remove,  double  if  not  treble  the  number 
of  men  will  be  necessary  to  secure  the  country  against 
impressions,  and  after  all  it  will  not  be  so  effectually 
done  in  this  as  in  the  other  mode. 

The  post  established  in  Ulster  will  be  of  advantage 
in  the  general  protection,  and  the  legislature  will  be  able 
to  determine  in  what  degree  we  may  be  benefited  by 
it.  In  the  resolutions  of  4th  April  last  is  mentioned  the 
body  of  men  to  which  this  of  the  1st  inst  refers. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  due  regard,  your  Excel 
lency's  very  obedient  h'ble  servant, 

WILLIAM  H.  HOUSTON. 


From  Ph.  Schuyler,  Chairman,  fyc.,  to  Gov.  Livingston. 

In  Committee  of  Congress,  Morristown,  June  12th,  1780. 

SIR, — We  have  the  honor  to  enclose  you  a  copy  of 

a   letter  addressed  to  us  by    the  commander-in-chief. 

The  contents  will  advise  you  to  what  an  alarming  crisis 

our  affairs  are  reduced.     The  General  observes  with 

13 


226          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1780. 

great  propriety  that  this  committee  "need  no  arguments 
to  evince  the  danger."  Indeed  we  do  not,  our  own 
observations  have  led  to  the  fullest  conviction  that 
unless  the  force  stated  in  our  second  letter  of  the  25th 
ultimo  is  drawn  into  the  field  with  celerity  equal  to  the 
urgency  of  the  occasion,  the  period  which  is  to  end  our 
liberty  and  commence  the  most  disgraceful  state  of 
slavery  which  human  nature  has  ever  experienced,  is 
not  far  distant.  But  dark  and  gloomy  as  the  prospect 
is,  America  has  it  in  her  power  to  dispel  the  cloud  by 
those  exertions  of  which  she  is  abundantly  capable,  and 
to  which  it  is  her  duty  to  rouse  from  every  consideration 
which  can  affect  the  human  heart 

We  are  most  indubitably  possessed  of  the  means 
wherewith  to  expel  the  enemy  from  every  part  of  the 
continent,  but  it  requires  a  display  of  that  virtue  which 
distinguished  the  citizens  of  Rome  when  their  state  was, 
as  ours  now  is,  on  the  brink  of  ruin,  and  we  trust 
Americans,  impressed  with  a  proper  sense  of  the  bless 
ings  of  peace,  liberty  and  independence,  will  follow  the 
bright  example,  and  evince  to  future  ages  what  great 
minds  are  capable  of  when  driven  to  the  extremity  of 
distress. 

We  dare  not  suppose,  sir,  that  efficient  measures  have 
not  been  adopted  by  your  state  to  complete  your  battal 
ions  to  the  establishment  recommended  in  the  letter 
above  referred  to.  On  the  contrary,  we  believe  that 
the  men  are  raised  or  raising,  but  we  have  to  conjure 
you  to  hasten  them  on  to  the  army  without  a  moment's 
delay.  We  intreat  you  likewise  to  give  the  most  pointed 


1780.]    EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.     227 

direction  to  induce  an  unremitting  attention  to  forward 
ing  the  supplies  alloted  to  your  state, — to  be  furnished 
as  specified  in  our  letter  of  the  2d  instant. 

Had  the  enemy  on  Wednesday  last  pursued  what  we 
generally  believed  to  be  their  object,  our  heavy  cannon 
and  stores  would  inevitably  have  fallen  into  their  hands, 
as  our  military  force  was  incompetent  to  their  protection, 
and  the  means  of  conveying  them  to  places  more  distant 
for  want  of  horses  and  carriages,  out  of  our  power. 

Since  writing  the  above,  a  second  letter  from  the 
General  has  been  handed  us,  a  copy  whereof  we  enclose. 
Previous  to  our  recommendation  to  complete  the  battal 
ions  to  504  rank  and  file,  we  had  a  conference  with  the 
General  on  the  subject,  in  which  the  matter  was  thor 
oughly  canvassed  and  the  necessity  of  the  augmentation 
clearly  evinced. — The  reduction  of  Charlestown  was 
then  still  problematical,  we  had  even  hopes  that  it  would 
have  been  saved,  and  the  Maryland  and  Delaware  lines 
have  returned  to  this  army,  which  then,  with  the  quota 
requested  of  the  states,  would  have  amounted  to  about 
25,000  men,  the  number  which  Congress  had  promised 
our  illustrious  ally  should  be  brought  into  the  field  to 
co-operate  with  her  troops.     It  is  now  believed  that 
Charlestown  is  reduced,  and  the  troops  which  defended 
it  prisoners,  consequently  we  shall  certainly  not  have  the 
Maryland  and  Delaware  troops  ;  hence  those  in  this 
quarter  will  be  less  by  nearly  three  thousand  men  than 
estimated,  and  we  therefore  most  earnestly  intreat  that 
no  reduction  may  be  made  from  the  numbers  we  have 
stated  as  necessary. 


228        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1780. 

We  are,  with  great  respect  and  esteem,  your  Excel 
lency's  most  ob't  and  h'ble  servant, 

PH.  SCHUYLER, 
Chairman  of  the  Committee. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


From  General  Washington  to  a  Committee  of  Congress, 
enclosed  in  the  foregoing. 

Morristown,  May  25th,  1780. 

GENTLEMEN, — I  have  attentively  considered  the  cir 
cular  letter  to  the  different  states  which  you  did  rne  the 
honor  to  communicate  for  my  perusal,  and  I  am  happy 
to  find  that  my  ideas  perfectly  correspond  with  those  of 
the  committee. 

The  view  they  have  given  of  our  situation  is  just,  full 
and  explicit.  The  measures  they  have  recommended 
are  well  adapted  to  the  emergency,  and  of  indispensable 
necessity.  I  very  freely  give  it  as  my  opinion  that 
unless  they  are  carried  into  execution  in  the  fullest 
extent,  and  with  the  greatest  decision  and  rapidity,  it 
will  be  impossible  for  us  to  undertake  the  intended  co 
operation  with  any  reasonable  prospect  of  success. 

The  consequences  you  have  well  delineated.  The 
succour  designed  for  our  benefit  will  prove  a  serious 
misfortune,  and  instead  of  rescuing  us  from  the  embar 
rassments  we  experience,  and  from  the  danger  with 
which  we  are  threatened,  will  in  all  probability  precipi 
tate  our  ruin.  Drained  and  weakened  as  we  already 
are,  the  exertions  we  shall  make,  though  they  may  be 


1780.]          EXECUTIVE   FROM   1776  TO  1786.  229 

too  imperfect  to  secure  success,  will  at  any  rate  be  such 
as  to  leave  us  in  a  state  of  relaxation  and  debility,  from 
which  it  will  be  difficult  if  not  impracticable  to  recover. 
The  country  exhausted,  the  people  disappointed,  the 
consequence  and  reputation  of  those  states  in  Europe, 
[impaired]  our  friends  chagrined  and  discouraged,  our 
enemies  deriving  new  credit,  new  confidence,  new  re 
sources — we  have  not,  nor  ought  we  to  wish  an  alter 
native.     The  court  of  France  has  done  so  much  for  us 
that  we  must  make  a  decisive  effort  on  our  part.     Our 
situation  demands  it — 'tis  expected.  We  have  the  means 
of  success  without  some  unforeseen  accident,  and  it  only 
remains  to  employ  them.     But  the  conjuncture  requires 
all  our  wisdom  and  all  our  energy.     Such  is  the  present 
state  of  this  country  that  the  utmost   exertion   of  its 
resources,  though  equal,  is  not  more  than  equal,  to  the 
object,  and  our  measures  must  be  so  taken  as  to  call 
them  into  immediate  and  full  effort.     There  is  only  one 
thing  I    should  have  been  happy  the  committee   had 
thought  proper  to  take  upon  a  large  scale.     I  mean  the 
supply  of  men  by  draft.     Instead  of  completing  the 
deficiencies  of  the  quotas  assigned  by  the  resolution  of 
Congress  of  the  9th  of  February  last,  it  would  in  my 
apprehension  be  of  the  greatest  importance   that  the 
respective  states  should  fill  their  battalions  to  their  com 
plement  of  five  hundred  and  four,  rank  and  file.     Con 
sidering  the  different  possible  dispositions  of  the  enemy, 
and  the  different  possible  operations  on  our  part,  we 
ought  not  to  have  less  than  twenty  thousand  continental 
efficient  troops.     The  whole  number  of  battalions  from 


230         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1780. 

New  Hampshire  to  Pennsylvania  inclusive,  if  complete, 
would  not  amount  to  this  force.  The  total  would  be 
twenty  three  thousand  one  hundred  and  eighty  four, 
rank  and  file,  from  which  the  customary  deductions 
being  made,  there  will  not  remain  more  than  about 
eighteen  thousand  fit  for  the  service  of  the  field.  To 
this  may  be  added  the  remainder  of  the  sixteen  regi 
ments,  amounting  to  about  one  thousand. 

Unless  the  principal  part  of  the  force  be  composed 
of  men  regularly  organized,  and  on  the  continuance  of 
whose  services  we  can  rely,  nothing  decisive  can  be 
attempted.  The  militia  are  too  precarious  a  depend 
ence  to  justify  such  an  attempt,  when  they  form  a 
material  part  of  the  plan. 

Militia  cannot  have  the  necessary  habits  nor  the 
consistency,  either  for  an  assault  or  a  seige.  In  em 
ploying  them  essentially  we  should  run  a  risk  of  being 
abandoned  in  the  most  critical  moments.  The  expense 
and  the  consumption  of  provisions  and  stores  (which 
we  are  bound  by  every  motive  to  economise)  will  be 
very  considerably  increased.  As  we  should  not  be 
able  to  keep  the  same  body  in  the  field  during  the 
whole  campaign,  we  should  a  great  part  of  the  time 
have  a  double  set  of  men  to  pay  and  feed, — those  in 
actual  service,  those  on  the  march  to  relieve  them,  or 
returning  home  when  relieved.  The  operations  of 
husbandry  will  suffer  in  proportion.  The  mode  by  a 
draft  is,  I  am  persuaded,  the  only  efficacious  one  to 
obtain  them  in  time.  Nor  can  the  period  you  have 
appointed  for  bringing  them  into  the  field  be  delayed 


1780.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  231 

without  defeating  the  object.  I  have  little  doubt  that 
at  any  time,  and  much  less  at  the  present  juncture,  the 
powers  of  government  exerted  with  confidence  will  be 
equal  to  the  purpose  of  drafting.  The  hopes  of  the 
people,  elevated  by  the  prospects  before  them,  will 
induce  a  cheerful  compliance  with  this  and  with  all  the 
other  measures  of  vigor  which  have  been  recommended 
and  which  the  exigency  requires. 

I  have  entire  confidence  that  the  respective  legisla 
tures  will  be  fully  impressed  with  the  importance  and 
delicacy  of  the  present  juncture,  and  will  second  the 
views  of  the  committee  by  the  most  speedy  and  vigor 
ous  efforts. 

With  every  sentiment  of  respect  and  esteem,  I  have 
the  honor  to  be,  gentlemen,  your  most  obed't  and  h'ble 
servant, 

G°  WASHINGTON. 
The  hon'ble  the  Committee  of  Congress. 

From  Samuel  Huntington,  President  of  Congress,  to 
Governor  Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  June  15,  1780. 

DEAR  SIR, — Congress  repeat  their  applications  to 
your  state.  They  would  willingly  hope  that  their 
former  representations  have  not  been  ineffectual,  and 
that  the  states  are  pursuing  measures  to  enable  our 
armies  to  take  the  field  with  a  force  superior  to  that  of 
the  enemy,  and  with  such  ample  supplies  of  provision 
as  will  not  only  maintain  them  in  plenty,  but  enable  the 


232         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1780. 

commander-in-chief,  if  necessary,  on  any  extraordinary 
occasion  to  avail  himself  of  the  aid  of  the  militia,  but 
upon  these  hopes  Congress  dare  not  rely.  Every  mo 
ment  presses.  It  is  necessary  they  should  have  the 
most  explicit  assurances  not  only  that  their  requisitions 
will  be  complied  with,  but  that  such  compliance  will  be 
as  immediate  as  the  public  wants  are  urgent.  The 
letter  from  our  committee  at  head-quarters  to  you,  state 
those  wants  without  exaggeration.  They  state  some 
facts,  and  leave  to  your  government  to  supply  others, 
which  it  would  have  been  improper  to  commit  to  paper. 
The  object  of  this  address  is  to  enforce  their  requests, 
and  to  entreat  you  not  to  repose  your  safety  upon  the 
spirit  and  vigilance  of  others,  while  any  means  within 
your  own  power  are  left  untried.  The  present  occa 
sion  calls  for  the  united  force  of  America.  It  gives  us 
great  consolation  that,  notwithstanding  the  great  diffi 
culties  in  which  we  are  involved,  the  resources  of  the 
states,  if  speedily  applied,  are  sufficient  to  relieve  us 
from  them.  Every  state  in  the  Union  is  bound  by  the 
strongest  obligations  to  afford  us  their  aid,  and  we  trust 
that  at  this  critical  emergency,  no  present  ease  or  con 
venience  of  individuals  will  be  put  in  competition  with 
the  lasting  happiness  of  millions.  That  the  rulers  of 
states  will  not  hesitate  to  exert  their  utmost  authority, 
and  that  the  people  have  too  much  understanding  to 
refuse  a  temporary  submission  to  such  vigorous  exertions 
as  are  necessary  to  secure  them  from  continued  oppres 
sion,  and  established  tyranny. 

A  Common  Council  involves  the  power  of  direction. 


1780.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  233 

Let  not  our  measures  be  checked  or  controled  by 
negligence,  or  partial  views  and  interests  of  separate 
communities  while  they  profess  to  be  members  of  one 
body.  Too  long  have  the  dearest  interests  of  America 
been  sacrificed  to  present  ease.  Too  many  of  us  have 
slept  in  false  security.  Let  us  awake  before  the  season 
for  successful  exertion  is  passed.  Judge  you  whether 
the  loss  of  Charlestown,  and  the  situation  of  your  grand 
army  do  not  call  for  every  spirited  effort.  The  objects 
which  claim  your  immediate  attention  are  clearly 
pointed  out  by  the  Requisitions  of  Congress,  and  their 
committee  at  Head-quarters.  Let  them  be  complied 
with.  Enable  us  to  co-operate  vigorously  with  the 
fleets  and  army  of  our  ally,  and  we  may  reasonably 
hope,  through  the  blessing  of  Divine  Providence,  for  a 
speedy  and  happy  determination  of  a  controversy  which 
is  to  give  freedom  and  independence  to  our  country. 
By  order  of  Congress, 

SAM.  HUNTINGTON,  President. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON, 


From  the,  Committee  of  Co-operation  to  Governor  Liv 
ingston. 

In  Committee  of  Congress,    ) 
Morristovvn,  June  19th,  1780.  $ 

SIR, — We  enclose  you  a  copy  of  General  Washing 
ton's  letter  to  us  of  this  day. 

We  have  in  our  former  letters  dwelt  so  forcibly  on  the 
several  matters  contained  in  the  general's  letter,  that  it  is 


234       CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY          [1780. 

unwelcome,  almost  unnecessary,  for  us  to  say  anything 
more  on  them.  But  when  we  consider  the  season  for 
operation  wears  fast  away:  the  small  force  we  now 
have  in  the  field,  being  still  fed  in  a  scanty  and  uncer 
tain  mnnner :  the  hourly  expectation  of  the  fleet  and 
army  of  our  ally  on  our  coast,  and  that  the  commander- 
in-chief,  as  well  as  ourselves,  are  as  yet  totally  unin 
formed  what  are  to  be  our  expectations,  on  the  subject 
of  our  former  letters  : — be  assured,  sir,  we  feel  an  anx 
iety  congenial  with  his.  You  will  therefore,  we  are 
persuaded,  pardon  us  for  being  thus  solicitous,  when  we 
again  entreat  you,  in  the  most  earnest  manner,  to  use 
every  exertion  in  your  power  to  engage  your  state,  to  a 
speedy  and  decisive  compliance  with  our  former  requi 
sitions.  The  two  points  we  would  wish  to  press  most 
forcibly  on  yours  and  the  minds  of  the  legislature  of 
your  state  are,  the  immediately  forwarding  your  quota 
of  troops  necessary  to  complete  your  battalions  in 
the  continental  army,  and  the  supplies  of  provisions 
agreeable  to  the  estimates  inclosed  you  in  our  letters 
of  the  —  instant.  At  the  same  time  we  would  not  wish 
you  to  consider  any  part  of  our  former  requisitions  as 
become  in  the  least  degree  unnecessary ;  on  the  con 
trary,  v/e  are  now  strongly  convinced  that  they  are 
already  as  small  as  the  important  objects  in  view  can 
possibly  admit  of.  We  may  mention  the  two  first  as 
the  most  immediately  and  indispensably  necessary. 
For  reinforced  as  the  enemy  now  are,  by  the  return  of 
their  troops  from  the  reduction  of  Charlestown,  we 
momently  expect  an  attack  will  be  made  on  our  weak 


1780.]     EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.    235 

and  almost  resistless  army.     Should  this  event  happen 
whilst  in  this  state,  we  seriously  dread  the  result. 

From  the  well  known  indefatigable  attention  of  your 
state,  to  the  welfare  of  the  United  States,  we  cannot 
entertain  a  doubt  of  its  exertions  at  this  interesting 
conjuncture  ;  and  we  most  earnestly  entreat  you,  to 
give  us  the  earliest  information  of  the  final  determina 
tions  of  your  state  on  the  subjects  of  this  and  our  former 
letters. 

We  are,  sir,  with  the  highest  respect,  yr  most  obed't 
servts, 

JNO.  MATTHEWS, 
NATH.  PEABODY. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


From   General   Washington  to  the  Committee  of  Co 
operation. 

Head-Quarters,  Springfield,  June  19th,  1780. 
GENTLEMEN, — I  have  received  information  which, 
though  not  official,  I  deem  authentic,  that  some  of  the 
states  have  taken  up  the  measure  of  augmenting  their 
battalions  by  a  draft  on  a  less  extensive  footing,  than 
was  urged  in  your  circular  letter  of  the  25th  of  May. 
Though  I  wish  to  pay  in  every  instance  implicit  def 
erence  to  the  determination  of  the  respective  states,  I 
think  it  my  duty,  in  the  present  crisis,  once  more  to 
declare  with  freedom,  that  I  conceive  the  measure  of 
filling  our  battalions  to  their  full  complement,  fundamen 
tal  to  a  full  co-operation  upon  a  large  scale.  That 


236         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1780. 

anything  short  of  this,  will  infallibly  compel  us  to  con 
fine  ourselves  to  a  mere  defensive  plan,  except  as  to 
some  little  partial  indecisive  enterprises  against  remote 
points,  and  will  of  course  disappoint  the  expectations  of 
our  allies,  and  protract  the  war.  The  force  which  has 
been  stated  as  necessary  is  as  small  as  can  give  us 
any  prospect  of  a  decisive  effort.  If  it  is  not  furn 
ished,  we  must  renounce  every  hope  of  this  kind.  It 
remains  with  the  states  to  realize  the  consequences. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  greatest  respect  and 
esteem,  gentlemen,  your  obed't  ser't, 

G°  WASHINGTON. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


From  General  Washington  to  the  Committee  of  Co 
operation. 

Head  Quarters,  Springfield,  June  20,  1780. 
GENTLEMEN, — From  the  vast  importance  of  the 
things,  I  hoped  I  should  have  been  informed  before  this 
of  the  measures  which  the  several  states  meant  to  adopt 
in  consequence  of  our  late  requisitions,  but  as  I  have 
not,  I  am  certain  you  are  unadvised  yourselves,  and  have 
only  to  lament  with  you  the  delay.  This  is  a  point  of 
primary  consequence.  We  are  now  arrived  at  the 
period  when  we  may  momently  expect  the  fleet  from 
France.  For  want  of  information  it  has  been  impossi 
ble  for  me  to  digest  a  system  of  co-operation.  I  have 
no  data  on  which  to  proceed,  and  of  course  were  the 
armament  to  come,  I  should  find  myself  in  the  most 


1780.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  237 

delicate,  embarrassing,  and  cruel  situation.  The  French 
commanders,  from  the  relation  in  which  I  stand,  the 
instant  they  reach,  our  coast  will  look  to  me  for  a  plan 
of  the  measures  to  be  pursued,  and  I  ought,  of  right,  to 
have  one  prepared.  But  I  cannot  even  give  them  con 
jectures.  The  interests  of  the  states,  the  reputation  of 
their  councils,  the  justice  and  gratitude  due  our  allies, 
a  regard  for  my  own  character,  all  demand,  that  I 
should,  without  delay,  be  enabled  to  ascertain  and 
inform  them  what  we  can  or  cannot  undertake.  Be 
sides  there  is  a  point  now  to  be  determined,  on  which 
the  success  of  all  our  future  operations  may  turn,  which 
for  want  of  knowing  our  prospects,  I  am  altogether  at 
a  loss  which  course  to  pursue. 

To  avoid  involving  the  fleet  and  army  of  our  allies, 
in  circumstances  which,  if  not  seconded  by  us,  would 
expose  them  to  material  inconvenience  and  hazard — I 
shall  be  obliged  to  suspend  a  step,  the  delay  of  which 
may  be  fatal  to  our  hopes ;  I  therefore  beg  leave  to 
suggest  to  the  committee  the  indispensable  necessity  of 
writing  again  to  the  different  states,  urging  them  to 
give  immediate  and  precise  information  of  the  measures 
they  have  taken,  the  success  they  have  had,  and  the 
probable  result  of  them. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  great  respect  and  esteem 
gentlemen,  your  most  obe't  ser't, 

G°  WASHINGTON. 
Hon.  Committee  of  Co-operation. 


238         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1780. 

From   General   Washington  to  the  Committee  of  Co 
operation. 

Head-quarters,  Rockaway,  June  20,  1780. 

GENTLEMEN, — The  enemy  are  now  in  full  force, 
bending  their  march  towards  Morristown,  and  by  my 
last  advices,  had  advanced  beyond  Springfield.  They 
were  vigorously  opposed  by  our  advanced  corps.  But 
what  could  the  valor  of  a  handful  do  against  so  infinite 
superiority  of  numbers  ?  The  enemy  can  effect  any 
particular  object  they  may  attempt.  Besides  the  army 
they  can  have  no  other  in  this  state  than  our  stores. 
As-  we  cannot  defend  them  we  must  endeavor  to  remove 
them.  I  am  so  entirely  engaged  in  attention  to  our 
military  operations,  that  I  must  entreat  you  to  write  to 
the  Executive  of  Pennsylvania  and  Jersey  pressing 
them  to  bring  out  all  the  wagons  they  can  to  our  re 
lief.  An  application  has  been  already  made  to  Pennsyl 
vania  for  two  hundred  and  fifty  wagons,  these  ought 
to  be  instantly  furnished. 

But  we  do  not  know  what  may  be  the  ultimate  de 
signs  of  the  enemy ;  all  we  know  is  that  they  are  very- 
strong,  and  that  we  are  very  weak.  I  beg  leave 
to  recommend  that  the  states  may  be  again  called  upon 
to  redouble  their  exertions  to  comply  with  the  demands 
that  have  been  already  made  upon  them.  It  is  essen 
tial  to  our  immediate  safety,  to  say  nothing  of  the  ex 
pected  co-operation.  If  she  means  to  be  free  this  is 
the  moment  for  America  to  exert  herself. 


1780.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  239 

With  every  sentiment  of  esteem,  I  have  the  honor  to 
be,  gentlemen,  your  must  h'ble  serv't, 

G°  WASHINGTON. 
Hon'ble  Committee  of  Congress. 

From  the  Committee  of  Co-operation  to  Governor 
Livingston,  enclosing  the  foregoing. 

In  Committee  of  Congress,  Morristown,  June  23d,  1780. 

SIR, — Impressed  with  the  necessity  of  giving  you 
the  earliest  information  of  every  important  occurrence, 
we  therefore  inclose  you  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  the 
commander-in-chief  this  moment  received. 

From  the  accumulated  distresses  of  our  army  which 
we  are  daily  spectators  of;  from  the  jeopardy  we  have 
twice  seen  them  in,  and  from  the  fatal  consequences 
that  must  have  resulted  from  a  defeat  (which  would 
inevitably  have  been  the  consequence,  had  the  enemy 
at  first,  and  still  will  be  should  they  even  now  pursue 
their  object.)  We  are  constrained  again  to  call  on  you 
in  the  most  pressing  manner,  to  forward  your  quota 
of  men  and  supplies  agreeably  to  our  estimate  of  the 
2d  instant,  and  prevent  the  total  sacrifice  of  the  few 
brave  and  intrepid  spirits  that  at  present  compose  our 
army,  and  avoid  the  indelible  stain  that  must  conse 
quently  be  fixed  on  these  states,  should  such  an  event 
take  place. 

That  part  of  the  General's  letter  respecting  the  state 
of  the  stores  here,  is  a  matter  of  such  pressing  necessity 
that  we  conceive  it  to  be  our  duty  to  give  the  earliest 


240        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1780. 

attention  to  it.  The  situation  of  the  magazines  at  this 
point  is  truly  deplorable,  the  enemy  are  certainly  push 
ing  at  them,  and  we  are  in  no  condition  to  move  them 
for  want  of  teams  ;  if  they  do  not  effect  their  purpose 
at  this  time  it  is  evident  they  mean  to  persist  until  the 
situation  of  our  affairs  renders  it  necessary  for  the 
remains  of  our  army  to  move  from  hence,  when  there 
will  be  no  impediment  to  the  execution  of  their  plan. 
We  therefore  hope,  sir,  you  will  enable  the  officers  of 
the  departments  to  improve  this  interval  so  as  to  effect 
their  removal  to  a  place  of  greater  safety  by  having  the 
teams  which  are  requested  of  your  state  immediately 
sent  forward. 

We  have  the  honor  to  be  your  Excellency's  most 
ob't  and  h'ble  serv'ts, 

JNO.  MATTHEWS, 
NATH.  PEABODY. 


From  the  President  of  Congress  to  Governor 
Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  June  29th,  1780. 

gIR) — The  urgent  necessity  of  drawing  into  the 
public  treasury  the  ten  millions  of  dollars  mentioned  in 
the  act  of  the  19th  May  was  so  fully  pointed  out,  that 
Congress  exceedingly  regret  the  failure  of  this  neces 
sary  supply ;  the  conjuncture  is  already  arrived  when 
it  is  become  essential  not  only  to  the  operations  of  this 
campaign,  but  to  the  very  existence  of  the  army. 

Congress  therefore  can  no  longer  delay  reiterating 


1780.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  241 

the  most  importunate  solicitations  that  the  proportions 
of  each  of  the  states  be  forwarded  immediately.  For 
this  purpose  they  have  dispatched  a  special  messenger, 
and  they  trust  he  will  not  meet  with  disappointment. 
A  further  sum  must  also  be  speedily  had  or  it  will  be 
impossible  for  the  operations  to  proceed.  Congress 
have  therefore  drawn  on  those  states  for  the  remainder 
of  their  quotas  to  the  first  of  March  last  inclusive,  and 
it  is  their  duty  to  conjure  the  several  states,  if  they 
should  still  be  unprepared,  that  they  will  at  all  events 
transmit  their  arrears  to  the  period  last  mentioned  to 
the  continental  treasury  within  thirty  days  from  the 
date  of  the  warrants. 

The  monthly  estimates  of  money  heretofore  made 
were  but  barely  sufficient  at  that  time;  their  value  has 
since  greatly  diminished,  and  the  payment  has  been 
delayed  long  after  it  became  due.  These  circumstances 
have  already  involved  our  affairs  in  much  perplexity 
and  driven  to  expedients  which  nothing  but  the  last 
necessity  could  justify.  Permanency  and  arrangement 
in  the  public  finances  must  at  every  hazard  be  intro 
duced  and  supported. 

In  this  view  Congress  do  again  with  the  most  earnest 
solicitude  press  on  the  several  states  the  necessity  of 
vigorous  and  decisive  measures  for  carrying  into  full  and 
immediate  execution  their  resolutions  of  the  18th  March 
last : — the  doing  which,  at  the  same  time  that  it  places 
public  credit  on  the  surest  basis,  will  in  the  course  of 
the  year  give  all  the  relief  that  could  possibly  result 
from  a  further  emission  equal  to  the  whole  that  is  now 

16 


242         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1780. 

in  circulation.  These  resolutions  Congress  are  per 
suaded  are  every  day  better  understood,  and  that  upon 
giving  them  their  full  effect  very  much  depends  the 
final  establishment  of  our  liberties. 

It  is  unnecessary  that  Congress  should  suggest  to  the 
several  states  the  expediency  of  providing  by  loans 
against  any  deficiency  they  may  have  reason  to  appre 
hend  from  their  taxes. 

The  blank  bills  for  the  several  states  will  be  for 
warded  as  fast  as  the  acts  of  their  Assemblies  providing 
funds  for  them  are  transmitted  to  Congress. 

By  order  of  Congress, 

SAM.  HUNTINGTON.  Presid't. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 

From  General  Washington  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Head  Quarters,  Ramapaugh,  June  30th,  1780. 

SIR, — As  the  levies  required  of  the  states  for  filling 
their  battalions  have  not  yet  joined  the  army,  or  the 
French  fleet  arrived,  I  beg  leave  to  inform  you  that  it 
will  be  unnecessary  for  the  militia  which  the  honorable 
the  committee  of  Congress  were  pleased  to  call  for  on 
a  late  occasion  to  be  at  the  place  appointed  for  their 
rendezvous  before  the  25th  next  month.  By  this  time 
I  would  willingly  hope  that  things  will  be  in  such  a 
train  as  to  enable  us  to  commence  our  operations  and 
to  make  their  aid  essential.  The  present  crisis  is  by 
far  the  most  important  and  delicate  that  this  country 
has  ever  experienced,  and  it  pains  me  in  the  extreme 


1780.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  243 

that  we  are  so  backward  in  all  our  measures.  I  hope 
a  moment  will  not  be  lost  in  pushing  on  the  levies  to 
fill  the  battalions.  Our  allies  would  be  chagrined  were 
they  to  arrive  to-day,  to  find  that  we  have  but  a  handful 
of  men  in  the  field,  and  would  doubt,  it  is  more  than 
probable,  whether  we  had  serious  intentions  to  prose 
cute  measures  with  vigor.  If  we  do  not  avail  ourselves 
of  their  succour  by  the  most  decisive  and  energetic 
steps  on  our  part,  the  aid  they  so  generously  bring  may 
prove  our  ruin,  and  at  best  it  will  be  in  such  case  among 
the  most  unfortunate,  next  to  that  of  absolute  ruin,  that 
could  have  befallen  us.  I  think  it  my  duty,  as  often  as 
I  have  the  honor  of  addressing  the  states,  to  forewarn 
them  that  the  completion  of  their  battalions  to  their  full 
complement  of  five  hundred  and  four,  rank  and  file,  is 
a  measure  of  indispensable  necessity  to  the  intended 
co-operation,  and  that  without  it  we  cannot  even 
attempt  any  thing  decisive. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  greatest  respect  and 
esteem,  your  Excellency's  most  ob't  and  h'ble  servant, 

G°  WASHINGTON. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


From  the  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  War  to  the 
Governor. 

War  Office,  July  7th,  1780. 

SIR, — The  board  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that 
there  are  two  able  fortified  four-pounders  at  Carlisle  be 
longing  to  your  state, — which  wrere  removed  thither  in 


244         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1780. 

the  campaign  of  1777,  when  the  enemy  invaded  Penn 
sylvania, — now  ready  to  be  delivered  to  your  Excellen 
cy's  order. 

The  carnages  belonging  to  these  pieces  are  not  in 
very  good  order,  though  quite  sufficient  for  their  trans 
portation  to  the  Jerseys. 

I  have  the    honor    to    be,   with   high   respect,  your 
Excellency's  most  obedient  servant, 
By  order, 

BEN.  STODDERT,  Sec'y. 

His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


From  the   Commit te  of  Co-operatio^  to  Governor 
Livingston. 

In  Committee  of  Congress,  Camp  Tappan,  August  16th,  1780. 

SIR, — Inclosed  you  will  receive  copy  of  a  letter  of 
the  Loth  instant  from  the  Commissary  General.  Cir 
cumstanced  as  our  army  at  present  is,  the  information 
contained  in  the  letter  becomes  truly  alarming.  It 
requires  the  utmost  attention  of  the  officers,  together 
with  all  the  necessaries  and  even  comforts  of  life,  to 
render  the  service  acceptable  to  recruits,  and  as  the 
greater  part  of  the  army  at  present  consist  of  that  class 
of  men,  if  the  time  should  unhappily  arrive  when  we 
will  be  reduced  to  the  necessity  of  putting  them  on 
half  allowance  of  provisions,  or  probably  have  none  to 
give  them,  the  consequence  must  be  that  those  men, 
unaccustomed  to  endure  this  species  of  distress,  and 
not  brought  to  that  state  of  discipline  which  can  give 


1780.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.         245 

their  officers  that  control  over  them  they  have  acquired 
over  the  old  soldiers,  must  revolt  at  the  idea  of  tamely 
submitting  to  a  service  when,  divested  as  they  are  of 
every  other  privilege  the  soldiers  of  all  armies  are 
entitled  to  and  are  furnished  with,  they  cannot  receive 
even  the  means  of  subsistence.  If  reduced  to  the 
extremity  I  have  just  mentioned,  and  an  irreconcilable 
disgust  should  once  take  place  among  these  men,  and 
desertions  (or  perhaps  something  worse)  begun,  the 
infection  will  beyond  a  doubt  pervade  the  whole  army. 
For  it  is  not  to  be  expected  that  the  few  old  soldiers 
now  remaining  will  be  disposed  to  go  on,  enduring  the 
calamities  they  have  so  often  experienced,  when  they 
find  others  equally  bound  with  themselves,  and  who 
have  as  yet  had  none  of  those  difficulties  to  encounter, 
manifesting  so  refractory  a  spirit  at  what  they  will 
conceive  to  be  trifling,  compared  with  their  own  suffer 
ings.  Should  such  an  event  take  place,  the  train  of 
ruinous  consequences  that  will  inevitably  ensue,  must 
at  once  strike  you  so  obviously  as  to  render  unneces 
sary  my  entering  into  a  detail  of  them.  We  do  there 
fore  earnestly  request  of  you,  sir,  that  the  officers  of 
your  state  appointed  to  procure  and  forward  the  supplies 
may  be  called  on  in  the  most  urgent  manner  to  give 
their  utmost  attention  to  the  important  business  of 
keeping  the  army  regularly  supplied  with  your  quota  of 
the  articles  that  have  been  assigned  to  your  state.  As 
you  must  plainly  perceive,  what  embarrassments  the 
least  remission  on  the  part  of  the  states  or  any  of  them 
must  throw  us  into.  For  it  must  be  remembered  that 


246        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1780. 

the  monthly  supplies  are  no  more  than  what  is  barely 
necessary  for  the  consumption  of  the  army  in  the  time. 

It  is  true  that  the  army  does  not  at  present  amount  to 
the  numbers  on  which  the  estimate  was  made,  but  as 
the  men  are  daily  coming  we  are  to  suppose  that  the 
complement  of  men  will  be  made  up  by  the  end  of  the 
month.  But  at  all  events  it  is  incumbent  on  us  to  be 
provided  to  answer  the  largest  demands  that  can  be 
made  on  us. 

It  is  not  only  the  immediate  supply  of  the  army  that 
the  committee  would  wish  to  call  your  attention,  but 
likewise  the  necessity  there  is  of  the  *  *  *  *  * 
*  *  *  the  supplies  agreeably  to  the  requisitions  that 
have  been  heretofore  made  to  prevent  future  alarms  of 
this  nature,  and  our  giving  you  further  trouble  on  the 
subject. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  highest  respect,  your 
Excellency's  most  obedient  servant, 
On  behalf  of  the  Committee, 

JNO.  MATTHEWS, 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


From  General  Washington  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Head-quarters,  Orange-town,  August  17,  1780. 
DEAR  SIR, — I  have  your  Excellency's  favor  of  the 
4th  instant.  As  soon  as  I  found  that  Sir  Henry  Clin 
ton's  return  from  the  eastward  had  frustrated  the  enter- 
prize  which  I  had  in  contemplation,  I  directed  Colonel 
Seely  to  return  again  to  Morristown  with  the  militia, 


1780.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  247 

and  write  to  the  commanding  officer  of  the  state  de 
tachment  in  Monmouth,  to  remain  there.  By  a  return 
from  Colonel  Seely,  of  the  10th  instant,  his  numbers 
only  amounted  to  443  ;  and  by  a  return  of  the  same 
date  from  the  commanding  officer  of  the  Jersey  brigade 
only  159  recruits  had  then  joined,  and  I  hear  of  none 
since.  These  deficiencies  in  the  last  are  so  great  and 
operate  so  seriously  upon  our  plans,  that  I  am  obliged  to 
represent  to  your  Excellency  the  absolute  necessity  of 
calling  upon  the  proper  officers,  in  the  respective  coun 
ties,  to  know  how  far  they  have  succeeded  in  procuring 
the  quotas  allotted  to  them  ;  how  many  men  they  had 
sent  forward,  and  whether  they  have  any  or  what 
prospects  of  obtaining  the  remainder.  I  advert  more 
particularly  to  the  levies  for  the  continental  battalions. 
Your  Excellency  must  be  sensible  that,  unless  the 
number  of  men  demanded  by  the  Committee  of  Co-op 
eration  in  conjunction  with  me  can  be  brought  into  the 
field,  any  attempt  against  the  enemy  in  New  York  must 
be  fruitless,  and  attended  not  only  with  disgrace  but 
with  an  immense  accumulation  of  unnecessary  expense. 
Our  calculations  were  founded  upon  a  pretty  exact 
knowledge  of  the  strength  of  the  garrison,  and  I  do 
assure  you  our  requisitions  were  as  moderate  as  circum 
stances  would  possibly  admit.  Should  our  continental 
battalions  remain  incompleted,  the  consequence  will  be 
that  we  must  either  totally  abandon  an  enterprize  upon 
which  the  hopes  of  the  states  and  the  expectations  of 
our  allies  are  fixed,  or  we  must  make  up  our  deficiency 
by  an  increased  demand  of  the  militia.  How  distres- 


248         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1780. 

sing  this  will  be  to  the  people,  how  incompetent  to  the 
end,  and  how  destructive  to  the  slender  magazines  of 
every  kind,  your  Excellency  can  as  well  conceive  as  I 
can  describe. 

I  am  persuaded  I  need  not  make  use  of  further  argu 
ments  to  induce  an  exertion  to  collect  and  send  forward 
all  the  men  actually  raised  under  the  late  law,  and  if 
that  should  be  found  incompetent  to  the  end  of  obliging 
those  counties  which  are  still  deficient  to  provide  their 
quotas  to  fall  without  loss  of  time  upon  some  more  effi 
cient  measures  for  that  purpose. 

I  have  just  received  advice  from  Newport  that  the 
greater  part  of  a  fleet  of  [victualing  ships  ?]  from  England 
to  Giuebec,  had  been  taken  by  the  Eastern  cruizers. 
Sixteen  of  the  prizes  had  arrived*  in  the  different  parts. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  greatest  respect  and 
regard,  yr  Excellency's  most  ob't  serv't, 

G°  WASHINGTON. 
His  Excellency,  Gov'r  LIVINGSTON. 

P.  S.  Six  levies  only  have  joined  since  the  return  of 
the  10th. 

I  have  appointed  the  1st  September  for  the  trial  of 
Moody  at  this  place.  If  your  Excellency  knows  of  any 
material  evidences  against  him,  be  pleased  to  direct 
them  to  attend. 

From    the    Committee  of    Co-operation    to     Governor 
Livingston. 

Camp  Tappan,  August  19,  1780. 

SIR) — When  America  stood  alone  against  one  of  the 
most  powerful  nations  of  the  earth,  the  spirit  of  liberty 


1780.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  249 

seemed  to  animate  her  sons  to  the  noblest  exertions, 
and  each  man  cheerfully  contributed  his  aid  in  support 
of  her  dearest  rights.  When  the  hand  of  tyranny 
seemed  to  bear  its  greatest  weight  on  the  devoted 
country,  their  virtue  and  perseverance  appeared  most 
conspicuous  and  rose  superior  to  every  difficulty.  If 
then  such  patriotism  manifested  itself  throughout  all 
ranks  and  orders  of  men  among  us,  shall  it  be  said  at 
this  day,  this  early  day  of  our  enfranchisement  and  in 
dependence,  that  America  has  grown  tired  of  being  free. 
Let  us,  sir,  but  for  a  moment  take  a  retrospective 
view  of  our  then  situation  and  compare  it  with  the 
present,  and  draw  such  deductions  from  the  premises, 
as  every  reasonable  man  or  set  of  men  ought  to  do.  In 
the  early  stage  of  this  glorious  revolution  we  stood 
alone  ;  we  had  neither  army,  military  stores,  money,  or 
in  short  any  of  those  means  which  were  requisite  to 
authorize  assistance.  The  undertaking  was  physically 
against  us,  but  Americans  abhorred  the  very  idea  of 
slavery  ;  therefore,  reposing  the  righteousness  of  their 
cause  in  the  hands  of  the  Supreme  Disposer  of  all 
human  events,  they  boldly  ventured  to  defy  the  ven 
geance  of  a  tyrant,  and  either  preserve  their  freedom 
inviolate  to  themselves  and  posterity,  or  perish  in  the 
attempt.  This  was  the  situation  and  temper  of  the 
people  of  this  country,  in  the  beginning  of  this  contro 
versy.  At  this  day  America  is  in  strict  alliance  with 
one  of  the  first  nations  of  the  earth,  for  magnanimity, 
power  and  wealth,  and  whose  affairs  are  conducted  by 
the  ablest  statesmen,  with  a  Prince  at  their  head  who 


250         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1780- 

hath  justly  acquired  the  title  of  the  protector  of  the 
rights  of  mankind.  A  respectable  fleet  and  army  of 
our  ally  are  already  arrived  among  us,  and  a  considera 
ble  reinforcement  is  hourly  expected,  which  when 
arrived  will  give  us  a  decided  superiority  in  these  seas ; 
the  whole  to  co-operate  with  the  force  of  this  country, 
against  the  common  enemy.  Another  powerful  nation, 
(Spain)  though  not  immediately  allied  with  us,  yet,  in 
fighting  her  own,  she  is  daily  fighting  the  battles  of 
America,  from  whence  almost  every  advantage  is  de 
rived  to  us  that  could  be  produced  in  a  state  of  alliance. 
An  army  we  have  now  in  the  field,  part  of  whom 
are  veterans,  equal  to  any  the  oldest  established  nations 
can  boast.  Our  militia  from  a  five  years  war,  are 
become  inured  to  arms.  You  have  at  the  head  of  your 
army  a  general,  whose  abilities  as  a  soldier,  and  worth 
as  a  citizen,  stands  confessed  even  by  the  enemy  of  his 
country.  Our  officers  of  all  ranks  are  fully  equal  to 
the  duties  of  their  respective  stations.  Military  stores 
are  within  our  reach  ;  our  money,  though  not  so  repu 
table  as  that  of  other  nations,  with  proper  attention,  we 
have  reason  to  expect,  will  shortly  emerge  from  its  pre 
sent  embarrassed  state,  and  become  as  useful  as  ever. 

Now,  sir,  from  a  comparative  view  of  our  circum 
stances  at  the  beginning  and  at  this  day,  how  much 
more  pleasing  and  important  must  the  latter  appear 
than  the  former,  to  every  dispassionate  man.  Then 
shall  we  leave  to  future  generations  to  say, — shall  we  at 
present  commit  ourselves  to  the  world  to  exclaim,  that 
when  Providence  had  benignly  put  into  our  hands  the 


1780.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.         251 

most  essential  means  of  obtaining  by  one  decisive  blow 
the  inestimable  prize  we  have  been  contending  for,  it 
was  lost — disgracefully  lost — for  want  of  proper  exer 
tions  on  our  part?  That  avarice,  luxury  and  dissipa 
tion  had  so  enervated  the  boasted  sons  of  American 
freedom,  that,  rather  than  forego  their  present  ease  and 
wanton  pleasures,  they  would  tamely,  cowardly  submit 
to  the  loss  of  their  country  and  their  liberty,  and  become 
those  abject  slaves  which  their  generous  nature  but  a 
few,  very  few  years  before  would  have  revolted  at  the 
bare  idea  of  I 

These  reflections  arise,  sir,  from  the  extraordinary 
backwardness  of  some  states,  and  great  deficiencies  of 
others,  in  sending  the  men  into  the  field  that  were  re 
quired  of  them  near  three  months  ago,  and  ought  to 
have  joined  the  army  fifty  days  past,  and  an  apprehen 
sion  that  from  this  torpitude  America  has  forgot  she  is 
contending  for  liberty  and  independence,  and  that  the 
good  intentions  of  our  generous  ally  will  be  totally 
frustrated  by  our  unpardonable  remissness.  Our  former 
letters  to  the  states  have  been  full  on  this  very  import 
ant  subject,  and  we  are  concerned  to  be  driven  to  the 
necessity  of  reiteration ;  but  our  duty  to  our  country, 
our  respect  for  the  reputation  of  the  commander-in- 
chief  of  our  army,  impel  us  to  it,  for  a  knowledge  of 
the  force  that  has  been  required  of  the  states  for  the 
campaign,  and  which  was  allowed  to  be  adequate  to  an 
important  enterprize,  will  induce  a  belief  in  our  coun 
trymen  and  in  the  world,  that  it  has  been  furnished;  and 
they  must  stand  amazed  to  see  our  army  inactive  and 


252         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1780. 

things  not  in  that  train  for  operation,  which  ought  in  such 
a  case  to  be  expected,  especially  at  this  advanced  season 
of  the  year.  Again,  the  force  of  our  ally  now  with  us, 
and  the  shortly  expected  arrival  of  its  second  division, 
must  clearly  evince  the  utility  of  our  army  being  put  in 
a  condition  to  undertake  an  enterprize  which  if  suc 
cessful,  must  give  a  deadly  wound  to  our  unrelenting 
and  ambitious  foe.  But  what  apology  can  be  made, 
if  when  the  commander-in  chief  of  our  army  should  be 
called  on  by  the  commander  of  the  forces  of  our  gen 
erous  ally,  and  informed  he  is  ready  to  undertake  with 
him  whatever  measure  he  shall  think  proper  to  point 
out,  he  shall  be  reduced  to  the  cruel  necessity  of  ack 
nowledging  his  inability  to  engage  in  any  enterprize 
that  can  possibly  redound  to  the  honor  or  reputation  of 
the  aruis  of  either  nation.  Sir,  the  reflection  is  too 
humiliating  to  be  dwelt  on  without  the  extremes!  pain  ; 
nay,  horror  ! 

You  must  pardon  us,  worthy  sir,  for  the  freedom  with 
which  we  have  now  declared  our  sentiments  on  this 
truly  interesting  subject.  We  flattter  ourselves  great 
allowances  will  be  made  for  our  situation,  when  we 
daily  have  before  our  eyes  specimens  of  that  want  of 
energy  in  conducting  our  affairs,  which  must  shortly  so 
far  embarrass  us  as  to  render  all  future  exertions  inade 
quate  to  the  attainment  of  those  great  purposes  at 
which  we  aim.  America  wants  not  resources ;  we  have 
men  (independent  of  those  necessary  for  domestic  pur 
poses)  more  than  sufficient  to  compose  an  army  capable 
of  answering  our  most  sanguine  expectations ;  and  our 


1780.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  253 

country  teems  with  provisions  of  every  kind  necessary 
to  support  them.  It  requires  nothing  more  than  a 
proper  degree  of  energy  to  bring  them  forth  to  make 
us  a  happy  people.  This,  we  trust,  sir,  the  state  over 
which  you  preside,  will  show  no  reluctance  in  contribu 
ting  her  aid  to,  by  taking  such  decisive  measures  as  will, 
without  loss  of  time,  bring  into  the  field  the  remainder 
of  your  quota  of  men,  that  have  been  required  for  the 
campaign.  The  articles  of  provisions,  forage  and  teams 
are  no  less  important  than  men,  but  as  the  committee 
had  the  honor  of  addressing  you  but  a  few  days  ago,  on 
the  subject  of  provisions,  and  the  other  articles  being 
so  nearly  allied  with  that,  we  will  not  intrude  it  on  you 
at  this  time. 

Inclosed  is  a  copy  of  the  letter  from  the  commander- 
in-chief  of  the  ]  7th  inst,  to  the  committee.  It  will 
fully  show  you  the  state  of  the  army  at  this  time,  and 
how  great  a  deficiency  of  men  there  is  to  what  there 
ought  to  have  been  before  this  day.  However  we 
hope,  sir,  it  will  be  no  discouragement  to  your  state  to 
using  their  utmost  exertions  for  furnishing  the  remainder 
of  their  troops  to  join  the  army  as  soon  as  possible  ;  and 
that  the  idea  of  its  being  probably  too  late,  before  a 
sufficient  force  can  be  collected  to  promise  a  successful 
campaign,  will  be  totally  banished  ;  for  policy  as  well 
interest  dictate  to  us  to  be  always  prepared  to  take 
advantage  of  every  favorable  conjuncture,  and  it  is 
impossible  to  say  how  soon  such  a  one  will  present 
itself. 

The  general's  letter  treats  this  subject  in  every  other 


254        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1780. 

respect  so  fully  as  to  render  it  unnecessary  to  add  more 
than  that  we  have  the  honor  to  be  your  Excellency's 
most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

In  behalf  of  the  Committee, 

JNO.  MATTHEWS. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


From    General    Washington  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Head-Quarters,  near  the  Liberty  Pole,  ) 
Bergen  County,  August  26th,  IT  80.  \ 

DEAR  SIR, — In  mine  of  the  20th  instant  I  desired 
your  Excellency  to  discharge  the  whole  of  Col.  Seely's 
militia  except  about  one  hundred  for  the  purpose  of  a 
guard  at  Morristown,  and  to  direct  the  September  class 
to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to  come  out  upon  the 
shortest  notice.  I  would  only  wish  you  to  continue 
those  orders,  but  not  to  call  out  the  classes,  except  about 
one  hundred  men  for  the  purpose  above  mentioned, 
until  you  hear  from  me.  Our  extreme  distress  for  want 
of  provision  makes  me  desirous  of  lessening  the  con 
sumption  as  much  as  possible.  Some  brigades  of  the 
army  have  been  five  days  without  meat.  To  endeavor 
to  relieve  their  wants  by  stripping  the  lower  parts  of  the 
county  of  its  cattle,  I  moved  two  days  ago  to  this  place 
and  yesterday  completely  foraged  Barbadoes  and  Ber 
gen  Necks.  Scarcely  any  cattle  were  found  but  milch 
cows  and  calves  of  one  and  two  years  old,  and  even 
those  in  no  great  plenty.  When  this  scanty  pittance  is 
consumed,  I  know  not  to  what  quarter  to  look,  as  our 


1780.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  255 

prospects  from  the  eastward,  upon  which  our  principal 
dependence  is  placed,  are  far  from  being  favorable. 

The  monthly  requisition  of  meat  from  the  state  of 
Jersey  has  been  complied  with  in  a  very  small  degree, 
as  the  commanding  general  informs  me  that  he  has 
received  but  seven  cattle  from  Mr.  Dunham,  the  super 
intendent  since  the  month  of  April.  I  am  very  far 
from  complaining  of  the  general  exertions  of  the  state, 
on  the  contrary,  I  have  every  reason  to  acknowledge 
them  upon  several  pressing  occasions  ;  but  your  Excel 
lency  must  be  sensible  that  when  the  support  of  an 
army  is  made  to  depend  upon  certain  quantities  of  pro 
vision  to  be  furnished  regularly  by  the  different  states, 
the  failure  of  any  one  must  be  more  or  less  felt. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  very  great  regard  and 
esteem,  your  Excellency's  most  ob't  and  h'ble  serv't, 

G°  WASHINGTON. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 

P.  S.  I  have  received  your  Excellency's  favors  of 
the  21st  and  23d.  I  do  not  imagine  it  will  be  possible 
to  discover  the  officer  who  permitted  Heyden  to  escape, 
as  the  description  is  so  exceedingly  vague.  As  money 
does  not  appear  from  the  deposition  to  have  had  any 
operation,  I  am  led  to  believe  that  the  thing  has  hap 
pened  more  from  an  improper  knowledge  of  duty,  than 
from  any  design.  I  am  sorry  to  hear  of  your  Excel 
lency's  indisposition. 


256         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1780. 

From  General  Washington  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Head  Quarters,  near  the  Liberty  Pole,  ) 
Bergen  County,  August  27th,  1780.  ] 

SIR, — The  hon'ble  the  committee  of  Congress  having 
returned  to  Congress,  I  am  under  the  disagreeable 
necessity  of  informing  jour  Excellency  that  the  army 
is  again  reduced  to  an  extremity  of  distress  for  want 
of  provisions.  The  greater  part  of  it  had  been  without 
meat  from  the  21st  to  the  26th ;  to  obtain  some  relief  I 
moved  down  to  this  place  with  a  view  of  stripping  the 
lower  parts  of  the  county  of  the  remainder  of  its 
cattle,  which  after  a  most  vigorous  exaction  is  found  to 
afford  between  two  and  three  days'  supply  only,  and 
those  consisting  of  milch  cows  and  calves  of  one  or 
two  years  old. 

When  this  scanty  pittance  is  consumed  I  know  not 
what  will  be  our  next  resource,  as  the  commissary  can 
give  me  no  certain  information  of  more  than  120  head 
of  cattle  expected  from  Pennsylvania,  and  about  150 
from  Massachusetts,  I  mean  in  time  to  supply  our  imme 
diate  wants. 

Military  coercion  is  no  longer  of  any  avail,  as 
nothing  further  can  possibly  be  collected  from  the  coun 
try  in  which  we  are  obliged  to  take  a  position  without 
depriving  the  inhabitants  of  the  last  morsel.  This 
mode  of  subsisting,  supposing  the  desired  end  could  be 
answered  by  it,  besides  being  in  the  highest  degree  dis 
tressing  to  individuals  is  attended  with  ruin  to  the  morals 
and  discipline  of  the  army  ; — during  the  four  days  which 
we  have  been  obliged  to  send  out  small  parties  to  pro- 


1780.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.          257 

cure  provision  for  themselves,  the  most  enormous 
excesses  have  been  committed. 

It  has  been  no  inconsiderable  support  of  our  cause  to 
have  had  it  in  our  power  to  contrast  the  conduct  of  our 
army  with  that  of  the  enemy,  and  to  convince  the 
inhabitants  that  while  their  rights  were  wantonly  viola 
ted  by  the  British  troops,  by  ours  they  were  respected. 
This  distinction  must  unhappily  now  cease,  and  we 
must  assume  the  odious  character  of  the  plunderers 
instead  of  the  protectors  of  the  people,  the  direct  con 
sequence  of  which  must  be  to  alienate  their  minds  from 
the  army  and  insensibly  from  the  cause. 

We  have  not  yet  been  absolutely  without  flour,  but 
we  have  this  day  but  one  day's  supply  in  camp,  and  I 
am  not  certain  that  there  is  a  single  barrel  between  this 
place  and  Trenton.  I  shall  be  obliged  therefore  to 
draw  one  or  two  hundred  barrels  from  a  small  magazine 
which  I  had  endeavored  to  establish  at  West  Point  for 
the  security  of  the  garrison  in  case  of  a  sudden  inves 
titure. 

From  the  above  state  of  facts  it  may  be  foreseen  that 
this  army  cannot  possibly  remain  much  longer  together 
unless  very  vigorous  and  immediate  measures  are  taken 
by  the  states  to  comply  with  the  requisitions  made  upon 
them. 

The  Commissary  General  has  neither  the  means  nor 
the  power  of  procuring  supplies — he  is  only  to  receive 
them  from  the  several  agents.  Without  a  speedy 
change  of  circumstances,  this  dilemma  will  be  involved, 
either  the  army  must  disband,  or  what  is  if  possible 
17 


258       CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY          [1780. 

worse,  subsist  upon  the  plunder  of  the  people.  I  would 
fain  flatter  myself  that  a  knowledge  of  our  situation 
will  produce  the  desired  relief,  not  a  relief  of  a  few 
days,  as  has  generally  heretofore  been  the  case,  but  a 
supply  equal  to  the  establishment  of  magazines  for  the 
winter.  If  these  are  not  formed  before  the  roads  are 
broken  up  by  the  weather,  we  shall  certainly  experience 
the  same  difficulties  and  distresses  the  ensuing  winter 
which  we  did  the  last.  Although  the  troops  have  upon 
every  occasion  hitherto  borne  their  wants  with  unparal 
leled  patience  it  will  be  dangerous  to  trust  too  often  to 
a  repetition  of  the  causes  of  discontent. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  your 
Excellency's  most  ob't  and  h'ble  serv't, 

G°  WASHINGTON. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 

From  the  President  of  Congress  to  Governor 
Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  September  3d,  1780. 

SIR — Your  Excellency  will  receive  herewith  enclosed 
an  act  of  Congress  of  the  26th  ulto.  earnestly  recom 
mending  to  the  several  states  to  take  the  most  speedy 
and  effectual  means  in  their  power  for  drawing  in  their 
respective  quotas  of  the  continental  bills  of  credit,  to  be 
destroyed  either  by  taxes  or  by  exchanging  for  them 
new  bills  emitted  pursuant  to  the  resolution  of  the  18th 
of  March  last,  at  a  rate  not  less  than  forty  for  one,  that 
the  whole  of  the  new  bills  may  be  issued. 


1780.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  259 

Also  recommending  to  the  several  states  to  raise  by 
taxes,  payable  in  the  new  bills  above  mentioned  or 
specie,  their  respective  quotas  of  three  million  of  dollars 
agreeable  to  the  apportionment  of  the  7th  of  October 
1779,  and  pay  the  same  into  the  treasury  of  the  United 
States  as  soon  as  possible,  the  payment  to  be  fully  com 
pleted  by  the  last  day  of  December  next,  each  state  to 
be  allowed  interest  from  the  time  it  is  paid ;  to  be  here 
after  adjusted  according  to  a  resolution  of  the  6th  of 
October  1779. 

You  will  also  observe  by  this  act  provision  is  made 
for  payment  of  public  debts  due  in  any  of  the  states. 

Commissary  Wadsworth  is  also  the  present  Commis 
sary  General  of  purchases. 

And  in  order  to  prevent  the  possibility  of  a  deprecia 
tion  in  the  new  bills,  it  is  earnestly  recommended  to  the 
several  states  not  to  issue  bills  of  credit  for  a  currency 
on  any  acount  whatever,  in  such  manner  as  to  have  in 
circulation  an  amount  greater  than  their  respective 
quotas  of  the  new  bills. 

And  in  order  that  justice  be  done  to  the  creditors  of 
these  United  States  for  supplies  furnished  the  army,  or 
transportation  thereof,  provision  is  made  by  this  act  that 
such  creditors  be  paid  the  just  value  of  their  debts,  to 
be  ascertained  in  the  manner  expressed  in  the  act,  and 
all  debts  due  to  the  United  States  are  to  be  justly  paid 
in  like  manner. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  very  great  respect,  your 
Excellency's  most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

SAM.  HUNTINGTON,  President. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


260         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1780. 


From  Abraham  Skinner,  Commissary  of  Prisoners,  to 
the  Governor. 

Commissary  of  Prisoners'  Office,      ) 
Head  Quarters,  September  9th,  1780.  \ 

SIR, — The  very  peculiar  situation  of  the  prisoners  of 
war  belonging  to  this  state  who  are  now  in  the  hands 
of  the  enemy,  induces  me  to  request  that  your  Excel 
lency  will  give  me  instructions  relative  to  their  situation, 
or  point  out  some  method  in  which  their  distresses  may 
be  alleviated  and  their  confinement  made  sufferable. 

The  officers  who  are  prisoners  on  parole  on  Long 
Island  have  not  had  the  least  supply  or  support  from 
this  office  since  the  spring  of  the  year  1779;  since  which 
they  have  been  at  board  on  Long  Island  and  many  of 
them  are  at  present  destitute  of  a  single  farthing,  are 
liable  to  insult  daily  from  their  landlords,  who  seem 
tired  of  supporting  them  without  fee  or  reward,  and  if 
their  exchange  could  be  effected,  they  would  be  detained 
for  the  payment  of  the  debts  they  have  contracted  for 
their  necessary  support. 

The  citizens  and  privates  of  this  state,  some  few 
excepted,  are  confined  in  sugar-houses  and  churches  in 
a  wretched  situation,  many  of  them  without  a  shirt  or 
blanket,  and  no  allowance  except  what  they  receive 
from  the  enemy  and  about  3^  Ibs.  of  bread,  which  is 
issued  to  them  by  the  continental  agent  without  any 
authority  from  the  legislature  of  the  state. 

To  these  distresses  may  be  added,  the  mortification 
the  Jersey  prisoners  feel  in  seeing  their  fellow  sufferers 


1780.]    EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.     261 

receive  supplies  from  the  neighboring  states  to  which 
they  belong,  when  their  past  services  as  soldiers  and 
citizens  merit  equally  as  much  attention. 

I  am  sorry  to  add  that  at  present  there  seems  to  be 
not  the  smallest  prospect  of  exchanging  or  releasing 
those  men,  and  that  if  they  are  not  timely  supported 
they  must  as  severely  feel  the  consequences  as  you  can 
possibly  imagine. 

I  shall  at  all  times  be  happy  to  render  them  the  ser 
vices  which  my  duty  as  well  as  inclination  may  point 
out,  and  to  fulfil  your  Excellency's  directions  with 
respect  to  the  difficulties  they  labor  under. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  your 
Excellency's  most  ob't  h'ble  servant, 

ABRM.  SKINNER, 
Commiss'y  of  Pris'rs  H'd  Q,rs. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


From  a  Committee  of  the  Jersey  Prisoners  of  War  to 
Governor  Livingston. 

Long  Island,  September  15th,  1780. 

SIR, — The  officers,  prisoners  of  war,  and  state  pris 
oners  belonging  to  the  state  of  New  Jersey,  beg  leave 
to  remind  your  Excellency  of  our  distressing  situation. 
The  petition  to  the  Assembly  in  May  last  which  we 
enclosed  under  cover  to  your  Excellency,  we  doubt  not 
has  been  laid  before  them  ;  we  not  hearing  from  them 
since  inclines  us  to  think  a  multiplicity  of  business  or 
some  other  cause  has  prevented  them  from  paying  that 


262    CORRESPONDENCE  OF  THE  NEW  JERSEY   [1779. 

attention  to  us  that  our  urgent  necessities  required ;  'tis 
sixteen  months  since  we  received  the  last  supply,  great 
part  of  which  was  disposed  of  in  paying  our  arrears, 
which  has  ever  been  the  case  during  near  four  years' 
captivity,  which  many  of  us  have  experienced  to  the 
extreme  prejudice  of  our  minds,  bodies  and  estates ;  con 
sequently  what  might  appear  a  tolerable  supply  at  first, 
when  our  debts  are  paid,  a  few  necessaries  purchased 
at  the  most  extravagant  prices,  we  generally  find  our 
selves  possessed  of  but  a  scanty  pittance  indeed.  We 
therefore  humbly  pray  your  Excellency  will  act  the  part 
of  an  advocate  for  us,  that  we  may  receive  both  a 
liberal  and  speedy  supply,  and  as  we  are  the  immediate 
sufferers  we  hope  it  will  not  be  deemed  presumption  in 
us  to  say  we  think  fifty  pounds  per  man  is  the  least  that 
will  answer  to  pay  our  debts  and  clothe  us  properly  for 
the  winter  season,  exclusive  of  what  is  due  for  our 
board,  which  has  not  been  paid  since  the  20th  of  May, 
1779. 

We  are,  with  the  highest  esteem,  and  most  perfect 
respect,  your  Excellency's  most  ob't  and  most  h'ble 
servants, 

Signed  in   behalf  of  the  whole,   and  at   their 
request, 

HENDRICK  VAN  BRUNT, 
JOHN  MERCER,  1st  Regt. 
BATEMAN  LLOYD,  3d. 
His  Excellency,  the  Governor  of  N.  Jersey. 


1780.]    EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.     263 

List  of  the  Officers  of  the  State  of  New  Jersey,  Prison 
ers  of  War. 

William  B.  Gifford,  Capt.  Con. 

John  Munn,  Lieut,  do. 

Bateman  Lloyd,  do     do. 

Abraham  Stout,  do.     do. 

John ,  do.     do. 

Benjamin  Osman,  do.     do. 

Jona.  Holmes,  do.     do. 

James  Paul  Ens'n.  do. 

And'w  Thompson,  do.     do. 

Ocky  Wykoff,  Col.  Militia. 
Hendrick  Van  Brunt,  Major  do. 

William  Ellis,  do.     do. 

James  Whitlock,  Lieut,  do. 

Thomas  Little,  do.     do. 

Tobias  Polhimus,  do.     do. 

Jacob  Covenhoven,  Capt.  do. 

John  Cousins,  do.     do. 

And'w  Barns,  do.     do. 

John  Parsons,  Lieut,  do. 

Aaron  Chew,  do.     do. 

Char'e  Heavland,  do.     do, 

Thomas  Cook,  do.     do. 

John  Smock,  Col.    do. 

Barns  Smock,  Capt.  do. 
Henry  Smock, 

Hay,  Major  do. 


264         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1780. 

From  Timothy  Pickering,  Quarttr- Master -General. 

To  the  Honorable  the  Council  and  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of 
New  Jersey — 

Urged  by  my  duty  to  the  public  and  a  regard  to  my 
own  reputation,  I  am  compelled  to  address  your  honor 
able  Houses  on  the  subject  of  forage  to  supply  the  teams 
employed  in  transporting  stores  and  provisions  to  the 
army.  At  present  every  post  is  destitute  ;  the  pastures 
are  generally  eaten  up,  and  will  soon  fail  altogether. 
Then,  unless  some  magazines  of  forage,  particularly 
hay,  are  formed  at  the  necessary  posts  in  the  route 
chiefly  taken  by  wagons,  transportation  must  wholly 
cease,  the  consequences  of  which  I  need  not  des 
cribe. 

By  your  leave,  I  will  observe  that,  the  mode  of  ob 
taining  by  purchase  the  quotas  of  supplies  demanded 
by  Congress  of  the  several  states,  could  not  fail  of 
involving  us  in  the  distress  we  now  feel.  For  had  all 
the  current  continental  money  in  the  United  States 
been  brought  into  the  public  treasuries  at  once,  it  would 
have  been  inadequate  at  the  current  prices,  to  the  pur 
chase  of  those  supplies  only.  But  if  one  half  or  even 
a  third  part  of  the  money  current  were  to  be  brought 
into  the  public  treasuries  in  the  course  of  a  year  it  would 
distress  the  people.  Accordingly,  it  has  been  found  ex 
tremely  difficult  to  collect  the  taxes  that  have  been 
assessed,  and  if  collected,  they  might  have  proved  capi 
tally  deficient  compared  with  the  necessary  public 
expenditures. 


1780.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  265 

The  above  observation  being  incontestibly  true,  we 
may  thence  account  for  the  distress  that  universally 
pervades  our  public  affairs.  Hence  it  has  happened 
that  not  a  single  magazine,  is  formed,  either  of  provis- 
sion  or  forage,  that  the  army  has  been  so  illy  supported 
that  the  troops  have  been  near  a  year  without  pay  ; 
that  they  have  sometimes  been  starving,  and  conse 
quently  licentious,  as  hunger  will  bear  no  restraint ; 
hence  we  must  inevitably  experience  more  capital  evils, 
unless  the  system  is  speedily  changed,  and  new  and 
effectual  mode  of  obtaining  supplies  adopted.  What 
this  should  be,  so  far  as  it  may  respect  the  state  of  New 
Jersey,  I  earnestly  entreat  may  be  considered  and 
speedily  determined  by  your  honorable  Houses.  But  I 
beg  leave  to  observe  that,  the  circumstances  of  the  army 
demand  such  measures  to  be  taken,  as  will  be  quick 
and  decisive  in  their  operation,  to  prevent  the  total 
stoppage  of  transportation. 

The  army  itself  will  subsist  as  it  long  has  done, 
(however  painful  and  disagreeable  the  practice)  on  sup 
plies  of  forage  taken  by  military  authority ;  this  is  not 
eligible  in  itself,  nor  easily  applied  for  the  support  of  the 
teams  employed  in  transportation.  It  is  also  evident 
that  all  attempts  to  purchase  a  sufficiency  must  at  pre 
sent  prove  ineffectual,  and  there  seems  to  be  no  alter 
native  but  impressing,  in  case  the  inhabitants  refuse  to 
part  with  their  forage  on  such  securities  as  the  state  can 
give.  This  measure  may  be  disgusting,  but  if  executed 
by  the  civil  authority  will  be  attended  with  fewer  evils 
than  impressing  by  military  force. 


266         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1780. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  very  great  respect,  your 
most  obedient  servant, 

TIMOTHY  PICKERING,  Q,  M.  G. 


From  the  President  of  Congress  to  Governor 
Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  Sept.  14th,  1780. 

SIR, — Your  Excellency  will  receive  herewith  en 
closed,  an  Act  of  Congress  of  this  date,  requesting  the 
several  states  therein  mention  to  furnish  fat  cattle  to 
supply  the  army  in  proportion  therein  expressed.  Con 
gress  found  themselves  under  the  necessity  of  requesting 
the  state  of  New  Jersey  to  furnish  for  an  immediate 
supply,  until  cattle  may  arrive  from  the  eastern  states, 
275  head. 

If  the  measures  adopted  by  the  Act  enclosed  should 
be  complied  with,  as  we  trust  they  will  be,  there  will 
be  no  want  in  future  of  supplies  for  the  army  this  cam 
paign.  The  necessity  of  the  measure  is  absolutely 
indispensable,  and  we  believe  the  state  of  New  Jersey, 
which  hath  so  frequently  exerted  itself  on  pressing 
emergencies,  will  not  be  wanting  in  her  endeavors  to 
comply  with  the  present  requisition.  Congress  would 
have  exempted  that  state  from  the  present  request, 
could  they  have  devised  any  other  means  to  feed  the 
army,  but  as  that  was  not  in  their  power,  it  is  requested 
in  the  most  urgent  terms,  that  the  number  of  beeves 
mentioned  may  be  furnished  with  all  possible  despatch, 
as  well  as  to  prevent  the  impending  distresses  of  the 


1780.]     EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.    267 

army,  as  the  consequential  distress  that  must  fall  upon 
the  inhabitants  in  the  vicinity  of  the  army. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  every  sentiment  of  res 
pect,  your  Excellency's  most  obedient  servant, 

SAM.  HUNTINGTON,  President. 

His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


From  Abraham  Clark  to  Josiah  Hornblower,  Speaker  of 
the  Assembly. 

Philadelphia,  October  31st,  1780. 

SIR, — Herewith  I  enclose  a  resolution  of  the  12th 
inst.,  granting  half  pay  for  life,  as  well  to  officers  reduced 
as  to  others.  This  is  a  kind  of  supplement  to  the  reso 
lution  of  the  3d,  directing  a  reduction  of  the  army. 
On  this  precipitate,  and  in  my  opinion,  injudicious  Act 
of  Congress,  it  is  unnecessary,  perhaps  improper  for  me 
to  make  any  comments ;  it  speaks  for  itself,  and  in  a 
language  which  in  New  Jersey  will  be  better  under 
stood  than  relished.  The  states  which  had  established 
half  pay  for  life  to  the  officers  of  their  lines,  aided 
by  New  York  who  entertains  similar  sentiments,  forced 
this  measure  upon  us.  A  measure  contrary  to  the 
genius  and  political  ideas  of  the  New  England  States- 
and  New  Jersey. 

In  opposition  to  this  resolution  it  was  urged  that  the 
measure  was  unjust,  improper  and  altogether  unneces 
sary  to  be  forced  upon  the  states  who  opposed  it,  as  it 
was  of  no  consequence  to  the  United  States  in  what 
mode  any  particular  state  gave  satisfaction  and  rendered 


268          CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1780. 

justice  to  their  officers,  provided  they  kept  their  regi 
ments  properly  officered,  which  there  could  be  no  doubt 
would  be  done  where  the  mode  of  doing  it  was  left  to 
themselves;  whereas,  a  measure  so  disgustful  would 
violate  and  prevent  the  exertions  so  necessary  at  this 
time ;  but  no  reasons  could  prevail  upon  men  fixed  and 
determined.  What  is  now  to  be  done  I  Will  or  will 
not  our  legislature  remonstrate  against  this  procedure 
and  insist  upon  an  exemption  ?  If  they  mean  not  to  sit 
down  easy  and  quiet  under  this  act,  the  sooner  they 
explain  themselves  upon  the  subject,  the  better,  as  I 
believe  no  reductions  have  yet  been  made  in  the  army. 
As  some  persons  are  of  opinion  it  would  be  of  gene 
ral  utility  for  Congress  to  repeal  that  part  of  the  reso 
lution  of  the  18th  of  March,  which  admits  rendering 
one  dollar  of  the  new  emission  in  lieu  of  40  of  the 
old ;  it  may  be  proper  for  the  legislature  to  instruct 
their  delegates  upon  the  subject,  in  case  they  think  the 
measure  advisable.  This  hath  not  been  moved  in  Con 
gress,  nor  do  I  know  that  it  will.  I  do  not  wish  in  this 
to  call  your  attention  from  more  important  matters 
unless  you  think  this  a  matter  of  consequence.  The 
subject  I  have  not  considered  maturely  since  the  new 
emission  is  passing,  where  issued,  at  a  depreciation  of 
near  one  half,  owing  as  is  supposed,  to  fixing  the  same 
at  one  for  forty  of  the  old  emission.  The  expectation 
of  Congress  in  that  act  was  that  the  new  bills  would 
fix  the  value  of  the  old,  but  we  find  the  value  of  the 
new  is  fixed,  and  varies  with  the  old.  As  the  laws  of 
our  state  are  conformable  to  the  resolutions  of  Congress 


1780.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  269 

your  delegates  cannot  consent  to  any  alteration  without 
your  direction,  should  the  same  be  moved  and  become 
ever  so  necessary  under  the  present  change  of  circum 
stances.  This  tie  makes  any  consideration  of  the  sub 
ject  unnecessary  in  your  delegates  without  your  partic 
ular  orders  for  that  purpose. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  with  all  proper  regard, 
your  obed't  and  humble  servant, 

ABRA.  CLARK. 

HON.  JOSIAH  HORNBLOWER,  Esq. 


From  Judge  Paterson  to  Mr.  Stevens. 

Raritan,  December  4th,  1780. 

SIR, — On  my  return  from  Sussex  Court  I  met  with 
your  letter,  which  notified  me  of  my  being  in  the  dele 
gation  for  Congress.  The  appointment  was  unex 
pected,  especially  as  some  of  the  gentlemen  of  the 
Legislature  were  fully  possessed  of  my  sentiments  on 
the  occasion.  From  the  commencement  of  this  con 
test  I  have  held  myself  bound  to  serve  the  public  in 
any  station  in  which  my  fellow-citizens  might  place  me, 
and  it  is  therefore  with  regret  that  I  find  myself  under 
the  necessity  of  declining  the  present  appointment.  I 
look  upon  it,  however,  as  an  act  of  justice  to  myself,  as 
well  as  of  respect  to  your  honorable  body,  to  declare 
that  my  non-acceptance  of  the  delegacy  is  owing  to  its 
interference  with  my  official  duty  in  another  line.  The 
business  of  a  criminal  nature  in  this  state  is  at  present 
intricate  and  extensive,  it  unavoidably  occupies  the  far 


270         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1781. 

greater  part  of  my  time.  I  feel  its  weight,  and  have 
more  than  once  been  ready  to  sink  under  it.  Of  the 
business  of  Congress,  its  variety,  extent  and  importance 
I  shall  forbear  to  speak.  Viewing  these  offices  as  I  do, 
I  am  convinced  that  no  one  man  can  execute  them  both 
at  the  same  time ;  if  he  can  acquit  himself  well  in  one 
of  them  at  once,  it  is  full  as  much  as  can  reasonably  be 
expected.  I  am  sure  I  shall  count  it  one  of  the  hap 
piest  circumstances  of  my  life,  if  in  the  execution  ot 
my  present  trust  alone  I  can  give  satisfaction  to  the 
public  under  which  I  act. 

I  am,  sir,  with  respect,  your  ob't  and  h'ble  servant, 

WM.  PATERSON. 
The  Honorable  Mr.  STEVENS. 


From  the  President  of  Congress  to  Governor 
Livingston. 

In  Congress,  January  15th,  1781. 

SIR, — A  circular  address  to  the  respective  states  of 
the  9th  day  of  November  last  communicated  a  requi 
sition  of  Congress  for  the  service  of  the  current  year. 
This  act  and  the  system  of  the  18th  of  March  respect 
ing  our  finances  include  the  principal  means  which 
their  present  powers  have  enabled  Congress  to  adopt 
for  prosecuting  the  war.  Measures  so  deeply  interest 
ing  not  only  demand  the  unremitted  attention  and 
vigorous  support  of  the  Legislatures,  but  Congress 
ought  to  be  informed  of  their  progress  with  the  utmbst 
precision ;  both  are  necessary  to  the  public  credit,  to  the 


1781.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.       271 

success  of  our  military  operations,  to  the  very  existence 
of  our  armies.  By  an  act  of  the  21st  of  October  the  state 
agents  are  directed  to  transmit  to  the  commander-in- 
chief  and  to  the  Commissary  General  respectively, 
monthly  returns  of  all  supplies  which  shall  be  drawn 
into  their  hands,  specifying  the  articles  and  the  maga 
zines  where  they  shall  be  deposited ;  it  is  equally 
incumbent  on  the  state  Treasurers  to  make  similar 
returns  to  the  board  of  treasury  of  all  the  taxes  which 
shall  be  brought  into  their  respective  offices,  and  of  the 
issues  of  the  new  emissions.  These  are  regulations 
which  cannot  be  dispensed  with,  and  it  is  recommended 
to  the  legislatures  to  enjoin  them  under  such  penalties 
as  will  enforce  a  prompt  and  punctual  obedience. 
Besides  those  supplies  for  the  current  year  which  can 
not  be  anticipated  without  the  utmost  danger,  the  pay 
in  arrear  to  the  army  demands  your  most  serious  con 
sideration.  The  honor  of  government,  and  military 
order  and  discipline  depend  on  its  regular  discharge. 
Nor  was  a  fund  sufficient  for  this  and  other  purposes 
neglected :  for  had  the  requisitions  for  taxes  prior  to  the 
act  of  the  L8th  of  March  been  productive ;  had  the 
warrants  on  the  state  treasurers  for  the  balances  of 
those  states  drawn  so  long  ago  as  the  first  of  July,  been 
satisfied,  a  complaint  of  this  nature  could  not  have 
existed. 

We  are  not  unapprized  of  the  embarrassments  at 
tending  the  collection  of  taxes  from  the  credit  given  on 
commissaries'  and  quarter-master's  certificates  for  the 
support  of  the  army,  but  it  is  manifest  that  Congress 


272         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1781. 

could  not  provide  a  remedy,  It  was  found  expedient 
to  discontinue  the  emission  of  paper  money,  and,  from 
various  causes  public  necessities  were  not  relieved  by 
loans,  at  the  same  time,  though  the  measure  was  em 
braced  of  extinguishing  those  certificates  in  the  taxes. 
Hence  the  treasury  has  been  destitute  of  supply,  almost 
every  resource  being  cut  off  at  the  same  instant ;  in  vain 
have  we  endeavored  to  obtain  a  knowledge  of  the 
amount  of  those  certificates  or  how  far  they  have  been 
reduced,  and  they  continue  to  obstruct  every  plan 
which  hath  been  devised  for  restoring  public  credit  and 
supporting  the  war. 

This  is  a  subject  to  which  the  authority  of  the  legis 
lature   alone    is  competent,  and  it  will  become    their 
wisdom  and  their  zeal  for  public  service,  to  give  it  the 
fullest  investigation.     In  the  mean  time  an  immediate 
provision  for  the  pay  of  the  army  is  indispensably  ne 
cessary.     We  need  not  dwell  upon  the  injustice  or  the 
probable  effects  of  a   delay.     They  are  obvious   and 
alarming  ;  and  we  earnestly  call  upon  the  several  states 
to  devise  prompt  and  efficient  means  for  remitting  to 
the  paymaster-general,  on  warrants  to  be  issued  in  his 
favor,  the  respective  quotas   assigned  to  them  by  the 
enclosed  estimate.     The  necessity  of  great  and  spirited 
exertions  becomes  every  day  more  evident,  while  the 
cruel  policy  of  our  enemies  raises  universal  indignation 
and  abhorrence :  it  admonishes  us  that  no  time  is  to  be 
lost  in  rescuing  our  bleeding  country  from  desolation, 
and  establishing  its  independence  on  the  basis  of  an 
honorable  and  permanent  peace.     However  great  may 


1781.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  273 

be  the  burthens  which  we  are  called  upon  to  sustain, 
let  us  remember  that  they  are  the  price  of  liberty,  and 
that  they  have  been  common  to  every  people  who  have 
dared  to  struggle  for  social  happiness  against  violence 
and  oppression.  Let  us  reflect  on  our  solemn  engage 
ments  to  devote  our  lives  and  our  fortunes  to  the  best  of 
causes ;  and  we  shall  find  that  we  cannot  be  destitute 
of  resources.  Let  us  review  the  past  miseries  of  a  lin 
gering  war,  and  the  danger  of  its  further  protraction, 
and  we  shall  seize  the  golden  opportunity  of  co-opera 
ting  with  our  generous  ally  by  every  possible  effort  to 
render  the  approaching  campaign  glorious  and  decisive. 
If  we  are  enabled  in  this  stage  of  the  conflict  to  defend 
ourselves  by  annual  taxes,  can  we  hesitate  to  interpose 
our  responsibility  or  to  contribute  a  portion  of  our  cap 
ital  ?  Will  a  people  whose  fortitude  and  patriotism 
have  excited  the  admiration  of  Europe,  languish  at  the 
bright  dawn  of  triumph,  and  endanger  the  public  hap 
piness  by  a  selfish  parsimony?  While  Congress  enter 
tains  just  sentiments  of  their  constituents,  there  can  be 
no  place  for  such  humiliating  apprehensions.  On  the 
contrary,  we  shall  look  with  confidence  for  a  liberal 
compliance  with  every  requisition  which  the  public 
exigencies  dictate.  Experience  has  pointed  out  the 
dangers  to  which  we  have  been  exposed  by  a  want  of 
punctuality  in  former  supplies,  and  we  are  persuaded 
that  those  dangers  will  for  the  future  be  carefully  pre 
vented. 

For  our  own  part  we  have  left  nothing  unessayed  to 
render  the  operations  of  the  war  more  vigorous  and 

18 


274        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1781. 

successful.  We  have  applied  for  naval  succours  from 
abroad.  If  we  no  longer  continue  unfortunate  in  the 
importation,  we  shall  not  want  a  competent  supply  of 
clothing,  arms  and  ammunition.  We  are  once  more 
attempting  a  foreign  loan  of  specie ;  we  have  pointed 
out  and  required  the  aids  of  men,  provisions,  and  money, 
which  in  every  event  must  be  produced  from  our  own 
internal  resources ;  we  have  strenuously  urged  upon  the 
states  a  punctual  compliance  on  their  part  with  those 
requisitions,  with  the  states  who  alone  have  authority  to 
execute,  with  an  enlightened  people  who  know  how  to 
estimate  the  blessings  for  which  we  contend  :  it  remains 
to  give  the  measures  which  we  have  recommended  their 
full  and  seasonable  effects. 

By  order  of  Congress, 

SAM.  HUNTINGTON,  President. 
His  Excellency,  Gov'r  LIVINGSTON. 

From  the  President  of  Congress  to  Governor 
Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  February  8,  1781. 

gIR) — Your  Excellency  will  receive  enclosed  two 
important  resolves  of  Congress  of  the  3d  and  7th  inst., 
recommending  to  the  respective  states  as  indispensably 
necessary  that  they  vest  a  power  in  Congress  to  levy 
for  the  use  of  the  United  States,  a  duty  of  five  per  cent. 
ad  valorem,  at  the  time  and  place  of  importation,  upon 
all  goods,  wares  and  merchandize,  of  foreign  growth 
and  manufacture,  which  may  be  imported  into  any  of 


1781.]    EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.     275 

the  said  states  from  any  foreign  port,  island,  or  planta 
tion  afrer  the  first  day  of  May,  1781,  except  arms,  -&c. 
therein  expressed.  Also  a  like  duty  on  all  prizes  and 
prize  goods. 

The  monies  arising  from  the  said  duties  to  be  appro 
priated  to  the  discharge  of  the  principal  and  interest  of 
the  debts  already  contracted  on  the  faith  of  the  United 
States  for  supporting  the  present  war,  and  the  duties 
continued  until  the  said  debts  are  finally  discharged. 

You  will  observe  from  the  tenor  of  the  resolves,  that 
if  any  one  or  more  of  the  states  immediately  pass  a  law 
vesting  in  Congress  the  power  requested,  it  cannot  take 
effect  or  operate  to  any  purpose  until  all  the  states  that 
are  not  prevented  by  the  events  of  the  war  shall  have 
passed  similar  laws.  That  is,  at  present,  all  the  states 
except  South  Carolina  and  Georgia ;  and  when  all  the 
states  have  passed  the  necessary  laws,  the  money  arising 
from  the  duties  is  to  be  applied  for  their  benefit,  exclu 
sive  of  the  remaining  states,  unless  such  states  shall 
pass  similar  laws  the  first  session  after  the  events  of  the 
war  will  admit  of  the  assembling  their  legislatures ;  and 
Congress  have  not  the  least  doubt  of  their  complying 
as  soon  as  circumstances  shall  put  it  in  their  power. 

The  necessity  of  the  duties  and  imposts  being  raised 
under  one  general  and  uniform  direction,  is  an  idea 
that  will  readily  suggest  itself.  I  am  specially  directed 
to  urge  the  necessity  of  calling  the  Assembly,  if  not 
already  convened,  for  the  purpose  of  vesting  Congress 
with  the  powers  mentioned  in  the  enclosed  resolutions. 
Although  it  may  be  improbable  any  person  not  particu- 


276         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1781. 

larly  acquainted  with  the  daily  business  in  Congress, 
should  have  an  adequate  conception  of  the  difficulties 
and  embarrassments  that  arise  for  want  of  some  certain 
and  permanent  fund  to  support  the  national  credit  and 
cement  more  effectually  the  common  interests  of  the 
United  States,  yet  I  doubt  not  the  wisdom,  knowledge, 
and  penetration  of  the  respective  legislatures  will  view 
those  embarrassments  as  very  great. 

It  ought  to  be  remembered  that  loans  are  not  to  be 
obtained  without  some  permanent  fund  established,  at 
least  to  discharge  the  annual  interest  punctually ;  that 
the  army  in  the  present  state  of  our  finances,  must  be 
in  a  great  measure  immediately  supported'by  the  states, 
separately  and  perhaps  very  unequally  ;  and  a  train  of 
embarrassments,  too  obvious  to  need  enumeration, 
must  ensue  ;  which  have  already  been  felt  in  a  degree 
and  must  greatly  increase.  I  have  only  to  add  that  it 
will  be  of  importance  to  transmit  to  Congress  the  Acts 
that  may  be  passed  in  consequence  of  the  enclosed  re 
solves  as  soon  as  possible. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  every  sentiment  of 
esteem  and  respect,  your  Excellency's  most  obedient 
and  most  humble  servant, 

SAM.  HUNTINGTON,  President. 
His  Excellency,  the  Governor  of  New  Jersey. 


1781.]     EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.    277 

From  the  President  of  Congress  to  Gov.  Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  March  23,  1781. 

SIR, — Your  Excellency  will  receive  herewith  en 
closed  two  acts  of  Congress  of  the  16th  and  23d  hist., 
directing  that  all  debts  liquidated  in  or  contracted  for 
specie  value,  shall  be  paid  in  specie  or  other  money 
equivalent,  according  to  the  current  exchange  compared 
with  specie.  Also  recommending  to  the  several  states 
to  amend  their  laws  making  the  bills  of  credit  emitted 
under  the  authority  of  Congress  a  legal  tender,  so  that 
such  bills  shall  not  be  a  legal  tender  in  any  other  man 
ner  than  at  their  current  value  compared  with  gold  and 
silver.  But  what  will  more  particularly  claim  the  at 
tention  of  your  legislature  as  of  great  importance,  is  the 
requisition  for  six  millions  of  dollars,  that  is,  one  million 
and  an  half  to  be  paid  quarterly,  the  first  quarterly  pay 
ment  to  be  made  on  the  first  day  of  June  next,  the 
quota  of  each  state  being  apportioned  in  the  enclosed 
act,  and  payment  to  be  made  on  this  requisition,  as  also 
the  several  others  therein  referred  to,  in  gold  or  silver, 
or  bills  emitted  by  any  of  the  states  whatever,  in 
pursuance  of  the  resolutions  of  the  18th  of  March, 
1780. 

This  assessment  is  not  to  be  considered  as  the  pro 
portion  of  any  state,  but  being  paid,  is  to  be  adjusted 
and  settled  with  interest  in  future  upon  equitable 
principles  in  the  manner  expressed  in  the  act.  It 
is  with  reluctance  that  Congress  are  compelled  to  make 
this  requisition,  but  the  absolute  necessity  of  the  case 


278    CORRESPONDENCE  OF  THE  NEW  JERSEY    [1781. 

will  appear  so  obvious  that  we  presume  the  respective 
States  will  yield  a  ready  and  cheerful  compliance  there 
with  to  the  utmost  of  their  power. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  esteem  and  res 
pect,  your  Excellency's  most  obed't  and  most  humble 
servant, 

SAM.  HUNTINGTON,  President. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


From  the  President  of  Congress  to  Governor 
Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  May  14th,  1781. 

SIR, — The  United  States  in  Congress  have  this  day 
received  intelligence  of  so  alarming  a  nature  that  they 
think  it  their  indispensable  duty  immediately  to  forward 
it  to  you  ;  and  at  the  same  time  to  assure  you  that  upon 
a  serious  review  of  public  affairs  they  are  convinced 
that  unless  the  several  states  immediately  and  punctu 
ally  comply  with  the  acts  and  requisitions  of  Congress, 
the  worst  of  consequences  must  ensue. 

Had  the  states  paid  due  attention  to  the  act  of  18th 
March  1780,  and  complied  with  the  requisition  of  the 
26th  August,  the  quarter-master  would  have  been  in 
capacity  to  do  his  duty  and  to  have  forwarded  the  sup 
plies  which  the  states  were  called  upon  to  furnish  by 
the  act  of  the  4th  November.  But  as  that  has  not 
been  done,  the  states  must  now  not  only  furnish  the 
supplies,  but  they  must  also  forward  them  to  the  places 
where  they  are  wanted.  For  this  purpose  I  enclose  an 


1781.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  279 

earnest  recommendation  passed  this  day  upon  receipt  of 
the  intelligence  above  mentioned,  and  flatter  myself 
that  from  the  necessity  of  the  case  your  state  will 
strain  every  nerve  and  exert  every  power  to  send 
forward  the  supplies  and  prevent  the  fatal  events  which 
must  otherwise  inevitably  ensue. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  highest  respect,  sir, 
your  most  obedient,  humble  servant, 

SAM.  HUNTINGTON,  President. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 

From  Abraham  Clark  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Joint 

Meeting. 

Princeton,  May  24th,  1781. 

SIR, — My  long  and  steady  attendance  in  Congress 
for  sixteen  months  past,  makes  it  necessary  for  a  relax 
ation  of  my  mind  and  restoration  of  my  health,  that  I 
retire  for  some  time  at  least,  and  if  agreeable  to  the 
legislature  I  wish  it  may  be  to  the  end  of  my  present 
delegation,  and  that  my  resignation  may  be  accepted, 
which  this  is  intended  to  solicit. 

By  my  absence  there  will  be  but  two  members 
remaining,  and  they  mean  to  attend  only  one  at  a  time; 
this  in  the  course  of  a  few  days  will  deprive  this  state 
of  a  representation  unless  an  appointment  of  one  or 
more  members  speedily  take  place.  I  continued  of  the 
same  opinion  as  heretofore,  that  three  members  are 
preferable  to  five,  provided  such  can  be  found  who  will 
devote  their  time  to  that  service,  and  unless  they  do  I 


280         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1781. 

am  clearly  of  opinion  you  had  better  have  none,  but  in 
this  I  do  not  suppose  that  one  member  is  to  attend 
alway  and  the  other  two  alternately,  which  hath  long 
been  the  case ;  few  constitutions  can  bear  such  constant 
attendance,  some  relaxation  is  necessary. 

With  all  due  regard  and  esteem  I  have  the  honor  to 
be,  sir,  your  obed.  and  humble  servant, 

ABRA.  CLARK. 
The  Hon.  JOHN  STEVENS,  Esq.,  Chairman  of  the  Joint 

Meeting. 


From    General  Phil.  Dickinson  to  the  Speaker  of  the 

Assembly. 

Hermitage,  May  25th,  1181. 

gIR) — I  think  it  a  duty  incumbent  on  me  to  represent 
to  the  hon'e  the  legislature  the  present  wretched,  feeble 
contemptible  and  disgraceful  state  of  our  military  com 
panies,  praying  they  would  be  pleased  to  take  the  same 
into  consideration,  and  make  such  an  arrangement  as 
will  reflect  honor  on  themselves  and  give  security  to 
the  state. 

I  submit  to  the  honorable  legislature  whether  it 
would  be  improper  to  form  a  regiment  of  artillery,  con 
sisting  of  two  companies,  taken  from  the  different 
regiments  contiguous  to  Trenton  and  Princeton,  being 
central  and  places  of  security,  (for  the  times,)  under  the 
command  of  a  Col.  or  Major,  as  shall  be  judged  most 
proper;  and  instead  of  the  Captains  and  subs,  being 
chosen  by  the  companies,  have  them  appointed  by  the 


1781.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.      281 

honorable  legislature,  as  very  few  of  the  present  officers 
are  qualified  for  such  service.  I  do  not  mean  the  least 
reflection  on  those  gentlemen  who  hold  commissions  in 
the  artillery,  but  it  requires  a  practical  kind  of  knowl 
edge  which  can  only  be  acquired  by  study  and  practice. 
We  find  from  experience  that  artillery  give  a  confidence 
to  troops  that  possess  them,  and  are  essentially  necessary 
in  the  field.  We  have  dragged  a  few  heavy  iron 
pieces  through  this  war,  to  this  day,  wretchedly  supplied 
in  every  respect.  Whilst  the  militia  of  the  neighboring 
states  appear  in  the  field  with  an  ample  supply  of  brass 
artillery,  the  necessary  apparatus  and  camp  equipage  of 
every  kind,  the  militia  of  New  Jersey,  whose  services 
in  the  field  have  been  frequent,  and  without  a  compli 
ment  I  may  say  inferior  to  none  on  the  continent,  are 
entitled  to  an  indulgence  which,  in  their  opinion,  con 
tributes  to  their  honor  and  security.  I  mean  a  proper 
supply  of  field  artillery  with  the  appendages. 

As  this  address  proceeds  from  the  strongest  attach 
ment  to  the  just  and  virtuous  cause  in  which  we  are 
engaged,  and  the  honor  and  safety  of  the  state  are  so 
deeply  interested  in  the  equipment  of  our  militia,  I 
flatter  myself  this  application  will  meet  a  favorable 
reception  from  the  honorable  legislature. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  your  most 
obed't  ser't, 

PHILEMON  DICKINSON. 
Hon'e  JOSIAH  HORNBLOWER,  Speaker  of  the  Assembly 

of  the  State  of  New  Jersey. 


282       CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1781. 

From  Robert  Morris  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  July  25th,  1781. 

SIR, — I  had  the  honor  to  write  you  on  the  16th  inst. 
enclosing  a  certified  copy  of  the  account  of  your  state 
as  it  stands  in  the  treasury  books  of  the  United  States. 
I  now  pray  leave  to  recall  your  attention  to  it.  It  gives 
me  very  great  pain  to  learri  that  there  is  a  pernicious  idea 
prevalent  among  some  of  the  states  that  their  accounts 
are  not  to  be  adjusted  with  the  continent.  Such  an  idea 
cannot  fail  to  spread  listless  langour  over  all  our  opera 
tions;  to  suppose  this  expensive  war  can  be  carried  on 
without  joint  and  strenuous  efforts  is  beneath  the  wisdom 
of  those  who  are  called  to  the  high  offices  of  legislation. 
Those  who  inculcate  maxims  which  tend  to  relax  their 
efforts  most  certainly  injure  the  common  cause,  what 
ever  may  be  the  motives  which  inspire  their  conduct. 
If  once  such  an  opinion  is  admitted,  those  states  who  do 
least  and  charge  most,  will  derive  the  greatest  benefit 
and  endure  the  smallest  evils. 

Your  Excellency  must  perceive  that  shameless  inac 
tivity  must  take  place  of  that  noble  emulation  which 
ought  to  pervade  and  animate  the  whole  Union.  It  is  my 
particular  duty,  sir,  while  I  remind  my  fellow-citizens 
of  those  tasks  which  it  is  incumbent  on  them  to  per 
form,  to  remove  if  I  can  every  impediment  which  lies  in 
the  way,  or  which  may  have  been  raised  by  disaffection, 
self-interest  or  mistake.  I  take  therefore  this  early 
opportunity  to  assure  you  that  all  the  accounts  of  the 
several  states  with  the  United  States  shall  be  speedily 


1781.]          EXECUTIVE   FROM  1776  TO  1786.  283 

liquidated  if  I  can  possibly  effect  it,  and  my  efforts  for 
that  purpose  shall  be  unceasing.  I  make  this  assurance 
in  the  most  solemn  manner,  and  I  entreat  the  conse 
quences  of  a  contrary  assertion  may  be  most  seriously 
weighed  and  considered  before  it  is  made  or  believed. 

These  accounts  naturally  divide  themselves  into  two 
considerable  branches,  viz.  those  wrhich  are  previous 
and  those  which  are  subsequent  to  the  Resolutions  of 
Congress  of  the  18th  March  1780.  The  former  must 
be  adjusted  as  soon  as  proper  officers  can  be  found  and 
appointed  for  the  purpose,  and  proper  principles  estab 
lished,  so  as  that  they  may  be  liquidated  in  an  equitable 
manner.  I  say,  sir,  in  an  equitable  manner,  for  I  am 
determined  that  justice  shall  be  rule  of  my  conduct  as 
far  as  the  measure  of  abilities  which  the  Almighty  has 
been  pleased  to  bestow  shall  enable  me  to  distinguish 
between  right  and  wrong.  I  shall  never  permit  a 
doubt  that  the  states  will  do  what  is  right,  neither  will 
I  ever  believe  that  any  one  of  them  can  expect  to 
derive  advantage  from  doing  what  is  wrong.  It  is  by 
being  just  to  individuals,  to  each  other,  to  the  Union,  to 
all,  by  generous  grants  of  solid  revenue,  and  by  adopting 
energetic  measures  to  collect  that  revenue,  and  not  by 
complainings,  vauntings  or  recriminations,  that  these 
states  must  expect  to  establish  their  independence  and 
rise  into  power,  consequence  and  grandeur.  I  speak  to 
your  Excellency  with  freedom,  because  it  is  my  duty  so 
to  speak,  and  because  I  am  convinced  that  the  language 
of  plain  sincerity  is  the  only  proper  language  to  the  first 
magistrate  of  a  free  community. 


284         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1781- 

The  accounts  I  have  mentioned  as  subsequent  to  the 
resolutions  of  the  18th  March  1780,  admit  of  an  immedi 
ate  settlement.  The  several  states  have  all  the  necessary 
materials  ;  one  side  of  this  account  consists  of  demands 
made  by  resolutions  of  Congress  long  since  forwarded; 
the  other  must  consist  of  the  compliances  with  those 
demands.  This  latter  part  I  am  not  in  capacity  to 
state,  and  for  that  reason  I  am  to  request  the  earliest 
information  which  the  nature  of  things  will  permit  of 
the  moneys,  supplies,  transportation,  &c.,  which  have 
been  paid,  advanced  or  furnished  by  your  state  in  order 
that  I  may  know  what  remains  due.  The  sooner  full 
information  can  be  obtained,  the  sooner  shall  we  know 
what  to  rely  on  and  how  to  do  equal  justice  to  those 
who  have  contributed  and  those  who  have  not,  to  those 
who  have  contributed  at  one  period  and  those  who 
have  contributed  at  another.  I  enclose  you  an  account 
of  the  specific  supplies  demanded  of  your  state  as 
extracted  from  the  journals  of  Congress,  though  without 
any  mention  of  what  has  been  done  in  consequence  of 
those  resolutions,  because  as  I  have  already  observed, 
your  Excellency  will  be  able  to  discover  the  balance 
much  better  than  I  can. 

I  am  further  to  entreat  sir,  that  I  may  be  favored  with 
copies  of  the  several  acts  passed  in  your  state  since  the 
18th  March  1780  for  the  collection  of  taxes  and  fur 
nishing  supplies  or  other  aids  to  the  United  States,  the 
manner  in  which  such  acts  have  been  executed,  the 
time  which  may  have  been  necessary  for  them  to  ope 
rate,  and  the  consequences  of  their  operation.  I  must 


178L]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.          285 

also  pray  to  be  informed  of  so  much  of  the  internal 
policy  of  your  state  as  relates  to  the  laying,  assessing, 
levying  and  collecting  of  taxes.  I  beg  leave  to  assure 
your  Excellency  that  I  am  not  prompted  either  by  an 
idle  curiosity  or  by  any  wish  to  discover  what  prudence 
would  dictate  to  conceal ;  'tis  necessary  I  should  be  in 
formed  of  these  things,  and  I  take  the  plain,  open 
candid  method  of  acquiring  information. 

To  palliate  or  conceal  any  evils  or  disorders  in  our 
situation  can  answer  no  good  purpose ;  they  must  be 
known  before  they  can  be  cured,  we  must  also  know 
what  resources  can  be  brought  forth  that  we  may  pro 
portion  our  efforts  to  our  means  and  our  demands  to 
both.     It  is  necessary  we  should  be  in  a  condition  to 
prosecute  the  war  with  care  before  we  can  expect  to 
lay  down  our  arms  with  security,  before  we  can  treat 
of  peace  honorably,  and  before  we  can  conclude  it  with 
advantage.     I    feel  myself  fittened   at   every   moment 
and  embarrassed  in  every  operation,  from  my  ignorance 
of  our  actual  state  and  of  what  is  reasonably  to  be 
asked   or    expected.     Yet  when  I   consider  our  zeal, 
wealth  and  numbers,  and  when  I  compare  them  with 
those  of  other  countries,  I  feel  a  thorough  conviction 
that  we  may  do  much  more  than  we  have  yet  done  and 
with  more  care  to  ourselves  than  we  have  yet  felt,  pro 
vided  we  adopt  the  proper  mode  of  revenue  and  expen 
diture.     Your  Excellency's  good  sense  will  anticipate 
my  observation  on  the  necessity  of  being  informed  what 
moneys  are  in  your  treasury,  and  what  sums  you  expect 
to  have  there,  as  also  of  the  times  they  must  probably 


286       CORRESPONDENCE     OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY          [1781. 

be  brought  in.     In  addition  to  this  I  must  pray  you  to 
communicate  the  several  appropriations. 

A  misfortune  peculiar  to  America  requires  that  I 
entreat  your  Excellency  to  undertake  one  more  task, 
which  perhaps  is  far  from  being  the  least  difficult.  'Tis, 
sir,  that  you  will  write  very  fully  as  to  the  amount  of 
the  several  paper  currencies  now  circulating  in  your 
state,  the  probable  increase  or  decrease  of  each,  and 
the  respective  rates  of  depreciation. 

Having  now  stated  the  several  communications  which 
are  most  indispensable,  let  me  entreat  of  your  Excel 
lency's  goodness  that  they  may  be  made  as  speedily  as 
possible,  to  the  end  I  may  be  early  prepared  with  those 
propositions  which,  from  a  view  of  all  the  circumstan 
ces,  may  be  most  likely  to  extricate  us  from  our  present 
difficulties.  I  am  also  to  entreat  that  you  will  inform 
me  when  your  legislature  is  to  meet ;  my  reason  for 
making  this  request  is,  that  any  proposals  to  be  made 
to  them  may  arrive  in  season  for  their  attentive  delibe 
ration. 

I  know  that  I  give  you  much  trouble,  but  I  also  know 
that  it  will  be  pleasing  to  you  because  the  time  and  the 
labor  will  be  expended  in  the  service  of  your  country. 
If,  sir,  my  feeble  but  honest  efforts  should  open  to  us 
the  prospect  of  American  glory,  if  we  should  be  able  to 
look  forward  to  a  period,  when,  supported  by  solid  reve 
nue  and  resources,  this  war  should  have  no  other  dura 
tion  or  extent  than  the  wisdom  of  Congress  might 
allow  ;  when  its  object  should  be  the  honor  and  not  the 
independence  of  our  country ;  if  with  these  fair  views 


1781.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  287 

the  states  should  be  roused,  excited,  animated  in  the 
pursuit,  and  unitedly  determining  to  be  in  that  happy 
situation,  find  themselves  placed  there  by  the  very  de 
termination  ; — if,  sir,  these  things  should  happen  soon, 
the  reflection  that  your  industry  has  principally  contri 
buted  to  effect  them,  would  be  the  rich  reward  of  your 
toils,  and  give  to  your  best  feelings  their  amplest  grati 
fication. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  your  Excellency's  most  obe 
dient  and  humble  servant, 

ROBT  MORRIS, 

S.  J.  of  Finance. 

His  Excellency,  the  Governor  and  Commander-in-chief 
of  the  state  of  New  Jersey. 


Frum  Robert  Morris  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Office  of  Finances,  August  22,  1781. 

SIR, — I  have  already  in  a  former  letter  forwarded  to 
your  Excellency  an  account  of  the  specific  supplies 
which  Congress  had  demanded  from  your  state.  It 
now  becomes  my  duty  again  to  press  for  a  compliance 
with  those  demands. 

The  exigencies  of  the  service  require  immediate  at 
tention  ;  we  are  on  the  eve  of  the  most  active  operations, 
and  should  they  be  in  any  wise  retarded  by  the  want 
of  necessary  supplies,  the  most  unhappy  consequences 
may  follow.  Those  who  may  be  justly  chargeable  with 
neglect  will  have  to  answer  for  it  to  their  country,  to 
their  allies,  to  the  present  generation,  and  to  all  pos- 


288         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1781. 

terity.  I  hope,  entreat,  expect  the  utmost  possible 
efforts  on  the  part  of  your  state,  and  I  confide  in  your 
Excellency's  prudence  and  vigor  to  render  those  efforts 
effectual.  I  beg  to  know  most  speedily,  sir,  what  sup 
plies  are  collected,  and  at  what  places,  as  also  the  time 
and  places  at  which  the  remainder  are  to  be  expected. 
I  cannot  express  to  you  my  solicitude  on  this  occa 
sion. 

My  declaration  to  Congress  when  I  entered  upon 
administration,  will  prevent  the  blame  of  ill  accidents 
from  lighting  upon  me,  even  if  I  was  less  attentive  than 
I  am  ;  but  it  is  impossible  not  to  feel  most  deeply  on 
occasions  where  the  greatest  objects  may  be  impaired 
or  destroyed  by  indolence  or  neglect.  I  must,  there 
fore,  again  reiterate  my  requests,  and  while  I  assure  you 
that  nothing  but  the  urgency  of  our  affairs  would  ren 
der  me  thus  importunate,  I  must  also  assure  you,  that 
while  those  affairs  continue  so  urgent,  I  must  continue 
to  importune. 

With  all  possible  respect  I  have  the  honor  to  be  your 
Excellency's  most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

ROBT  MORRIS. 
His  Excellency,  the  Governor  of  N.  Jersey. 


From  Abraham    Clark,  Delegate    to  Congress,   to  the 
Speaker  of  the  Assembly. 

Philadelphia,  Oct.  23d,  1781. 

SIR,— The  instructions  of  the  legislature  respecting 
the  western  lands,  and  Indiana  claims,  &c.,  have  been 


1781.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.          289 

received  and  attended  to.  The  cession  of  Virginia  and 
the  Indiana  claim,  &c.,  are  before  a  Committee  who 
have  not  yet  reported.  The  few  states  at  present  rep 
resented  in  Congress  will  render  any  proceeding  in  this 
business  difficult  if  not  impracticable ;  a  determination 
cannot  be  had  without  a  fuller  representation. 

With  regard  to  a  division  of  the  Islands  and  Bars  in 
Delaware  Bay  and  River,  I  beg  leave,  with  all  due 
deference  to  the  opinion  of  the  legislature,  to  propose  to 
your  consideration,  whether  it  will  not  be  best  to  apply 
to  the  legislatures  of  Pennsylvania  and  Delaware  for 
such  a  division  previous  to  any  application  for  the  ap 
pointment  of  commissioners.  A  settlement  by  commis 
sioners  agreeable  to  the  confederation  will  be  attended 
with  a  large  expense,  when  in  all  probability  the  busi 
ness  can  be  effected  by  the  legislatures  with  little,  if  any. 
Mr.  McKean  assures  me  the  legislature  of  Delaware 
will  cheerfully  come  into  the  settlement  you  propose, 
they  are  sensible  of  the  necessity  of  the  measure ;  he 
informs  me  their  grant  takes  in  all  the  islands  in  Dela 
ware  Bay,  but  thinks  they  will  notwithstanding  divide 
with  us.  I  do  not  remember  the  bounds  of  the  grant 
to  New  Jersey,  so  far  as  may  respect  the  islands,  and 
have  never  seen  those  of  Pennsylvania  and  Delaware. 
With  regard  to  Pennsylvania,  if  a  settlement  can  be 
effected  by  acts  of  the  legislature,  it  will  be  the  most 
cheap  and  expeditious  method,  and  I  cannot  yet  find 
there  will  be  any  objection  to  it  here  ;  it  can  at  least 
be  proposed  to  the  legislature ;  but  those  applications 
your  delegates  are  not  empowered  to  make.  I  have 

19 


290         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1781. 

conversed  with  all  my  colleagues  upon  this  subject, 
(except  Dr.  Witherspoon,  who  hath  just  made  his  ap 
pearance,)  and  find  we  all  concur  in  opinion,  but  we 
all  are  equally  at  a  loss  for  the  meaning  of  the  words, 
"  Saving  and  reserving  to  all  persons  their  legal  and 
equitable  claims;"  as  in  the  preceding  words  you  claim 
all  such  islands  and  bars  as  lie  between  the  Jersey  shore 
and  the  main  channel  of  Delaware  Bay  and  River,  with 
the  rights  of  soil  and  jurisdiction.  In  the  grant  to 
New  Jersey  both  soil  and  jurisdiction  are  granted ;  the 
soil  is  become  the  property  of  the  West  Jersey  Proprie 
tors,  that  is,  all  such  land  as  is  within  the  limits  ;  those 
limits  being  settled,  I  suppose  no  person  can  have  a 
legal  claim  within  the  same  except  under  the  Proprie 
tors,  and  it  can  hardly  be  supposed  the  legislature  meant 
to  countenance  any  claim  under  Pennsylvania  or  Dela 
ware  within  such  bounds,  though  the  words  equitable 
.claims  seems  to  hold  up  such  an  idea  in  favor  of  long- 
possession.  If  this  is  intended,  nothing  short  of  laws 
in  the  respective  states  can  be  binding ;  commissioners 
can  have  nothing  to  do  with  the  private  rights  of  indivi 
duals  in  cases  like  these. 

If  it  should  be  the  pleasure  of  the  legislature  to  make 
any  proposals  to  Pennsylvania  and  Delaware,  I  think 
the  same  should  be  pointed  out  with  precision,  or  at 
least  such  precision  pointed  out  to  such  as  may  be  em 
powered  to  negotiate  the  business.  Might  I  give  my 
opinion,  I  should  suppose  the  main  channel  a  proper 
boundary  as  far  as  the  tide  flows  ;  beyond  that,  where  the 
main  channel  cannot  be  ascertained,  by  depth  of  water: 


1781.]       EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.      291 

islands  lying  nearest  shore  of  either  state  to  belong  to 
such  state.  As  this  may  only  respect  jurisdiction,  the 
right  of  soil  will  require  particular  attention,  in  which, 
possibly,  respect  will  be  had  to  possessions  of  long  stand 
ing,  which  had  in  the  first  acquiring  them  the  appear 
ance  of  legality  on  their  side. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  all  due  respect,  sir,  your 
obedient  and  humble  servant, 

ABRA.  CLARK. 
The  hon'ble  the  SPEAKER  of  Assembly. 


From  the  President  of  Congress  to  Governor 
Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  Oct.  31st,  1781. 

SIR, — Your  Excellency  will  receive  herewith  inclosed 
a  Proclamation,  recommending  to  the  several  states 
that  the  thirteenth  day  of  December  next,  be  set  apart 
as  a  day  of  Thanksgiving  and  Prayer. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  greatest  respect, 
your  obedient  and  most  humble  servant, 

THOS.  MCKEAN,  President. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 

PROCLAMATION. 

Whereas,  It  hath  pleased  Almighty  God,  the  Father 
of  Mercies,  remarkably  to  assist  and  support  the  United 
States  of  America  in  their  important  struggle  for  lib 
erty,  against  the  long-continued  efforts  of  a  powerful 
nation,  it  is  the  duty  of  all  ranks  to  observe  and  thank- 


292         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1781. 

fully  acknowledge  the  interpositions  of  his  Providence 
in  their  behalf: — Through  the  whole  of  the  contest, 
from  its  first  rise  to  this  time,  the  influence  of  Divine 
Providence  may  be  clearly  perceived  in  many  signal 
instances,  of  which  we  mention  but  a  few  : — 

In  revealing  the  counsels  of  our  enemies,  when  the 
discoveries  were  seasonable  and  important,  and  the 
means  seemingly  inadequate  or  fortuitous. 

In  preserving  and  even  improving  the  union  of  the 
several  states,  on  the  breach  of  which  our  enemies 
placed  their  greatest  dependence, — 

In  increasing  the  number  and  adding  to  the  zeal  and 
attachment  of  the  friends  of  liberty, — 

In  granting  remarkable  deliverances  and  blessings 
with  the  most  signal  success,  when  affairs  seemed  to 
have  the  most  discouraging  appearance, — 

In  raising  up  for  us  a  most  powerful  and  generous 
ally  in  one  of  the  first  of  European  Powers, — 

In  confounding  the  counsels  of  our  enemies,  and  suf 
fering  them  to  pursue  such  measures  as  have  most 
directly  contributed  to  frustrate  their  own  desires  and 
expectations  :  above  all — 

In  making  their  extreme  cruelty  to  the  inhabitants  of 
those  states,  when  in  their  power,  and  their  savage  de 
vastation  of  property  the  very  means  of  cementing  our 
Union,  and  adding  vigor  to  every  effort  in  opposition  to 
them ;  and  as  we  cannot  help  leading  the  good  people 
of  these  states  to  a  retrospect  on  the  events  which  have 
taken  place  since  the  beginning  of  the  war,  so  we  may 
recommend  in  a  particular  manner  to  their  observation 


1781.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  293 

the  goodness  of  God  in  the  year  now  drawing  to  a 
conclusion  in  which  the  Confederation  of  the  United 
States  has  been  completed, — 

In  which  there  have  been  so  many  instances  of 
prowess  and  success  in  our  armies,  particularly  in  the 
southern  states,  where,  notwithstanding  the  difficulties 
with  which  they  had  to  struggle,  they  have  recovered 
the  whole  country  which  the  enemy  had  overrun,  leav 
ing  them  only  a  post  or  two  on  or  near  the  sea,— 

In  which  we  have  been  so  powerfully  and  effectually 
assisted  by  our  allies,  while  in  all  the  unjust  operations, 
the  most  perfect  harmony  has  subsisted  in  the  allied 
army  :  In  which  there  has  been  so  plentiful  a  harvest, 
and  so  great  abundance  of  the  fruits  of  the  earth  of 
every  kind,  as  not  only  enable  us  easily  to  supply  the 
wants  of  our  army,  but  gives  comfort  and  happiness  to 
the  whole  people, — 

And  in  which,  after  the  success  of  our  allies  by  sea, 
a  general  of  the  first  rank  with  his  whole  army  has 
been  captured  by  the  allied  forces  under  the  direction 
of  our  commander-in-chief. 

It  is  therefore  recommended  to  the  several  states  to 
set  apart  the  thirteenth  day  of  December  next,  to  be 
religiously  observed  as  a  day  of  Thanksgiving  and 
Prayer ;  that  all  the  people  may  assemble  on  that  day 
with  grateful  hearts  to  celebrate  the  praises  of  our  glo 
rious  Benefactor,  to  confess  our  manifold  sins,  to  offer 
up  our  most  fervent  supplications  to  the  God  of  all 
grace,  that  it  may  please  him  to  pardon  our  offences, 
and  incline  our  hearts  for  the  future,  to  keep  all  his 


294       CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY          [1781. 

laws,  to  comfort  and  relieve  all  our  brethren  who  are  in 
distress  or  captivity,  to  prosper  our  husbandmen,  and 
give  strength  to  all  engaged  in  lawful  commerce  ;  to 
impart  wisdom  and  integrity  to  our  counsellors,  judg 
ment  and  fortitude  to  our  officers  and  soldiers ;  to  pro 
tect  and  prosper  our  illustrious  ally,  and  favor  our  united 
exertions  for  the  speedy  establishment  of  a  safe,  honor 
able,  and  lasting  peace,  to  bless  our  seminaries  of  learn 
ing,  and  cause  the  knowledge  of  God  to  cover  the 
earth  as  the  waters  cover  the  seas. 

Done  in  Congress  the  26th  day  of  October,  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord,  one  thousand  seven  hundred 
and  eighty-one,  and  in  the  sixth  year  of  the 
Independence  of  America. 

THOS  JVFKEAN,  President. 
Attest,  CHS.  THOMPSON,  Secretary. 

From  Governor  Livingston  to  the  Speaker  of  the 
Assembly. 

Trenton,  November  21st,  1781. 

SIR, — On  my  being  elected  to  the  government  in 
October  1780,  I  informed  the  then  Assembly  by  letter 
to  the  Speaker,  after  having  pointed  out  how  greatly  I 
had  suffered  in  the  payment  of  my  salary  by  the  depre 
ciation  of  the  money,  that  I  accepted  the  appointment 
for  the  then  ensuing  year,  in  confidence  that,  whatever 
the  salary  might  be,  the  honorable  House  would  make  it 
good.  As  I  never  received  any  answer  to  the  terms  of 
the  acceptance,  I  had  reason  to  conclude  that  their 


1781.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  295 

silence  evinced  their  acquiescence ;  and  as  our  legisla 
tures  are  annual,  unless  every  succeeding  one  thinks 
itself  bound  by  the  engagements  of  its  predecessors,  it 
is  certain  that  all  faith  in  government  must  necessarily 
be  annihilated.  And  indeed  had  I  made  no  intimation 
whatever  on  the  subject,  I  cannot  presume  that  the 
present  legislature  would  think  it  reasonable  that  I 
should  be  paid  the  nominal  sum  stipulated,  without  any 
allowance  for  the  depreciation  of  the  money,  which 
would  in  effect  amount  to  a  declaration  that  my  services 
were  not  worth  above  four  hundred  pounds  a  year,  and 
that  such  salary  was  a  sufficient  support  for  any  credit 
able  family.  As  I  can  assure  the  honorable  House  that 
the  augmentation  of  my  fortune  was  never  my  object  in 
accepting  of  any  office,  so  neither  ought  the  House  to 
expect  that,  besides  a  man's  time, — especially  when  he 
devotes  the  whole  of  it  to  the  public  service,  to  the 
necessary  neglect  of  his  domestic  affairs, — he  should 
also  exhaust  his  private  patrimony.  That  the  money  is 
depreciated,  sir,  is  not  my  fault,  but  should  I  be  obliged 
to  receive  it  for  what  it  is  not,  I  should  nevertheless  bear 
the  punishment.  It  is  probable  that  the  legislature  will 
finally  keep  its  faith  respecting  its  redemption,  but  that 
avails  not  me  nor  any  other  public  officer  who  does  not 
hoard  up  the  money  on  speculation,  but  must  part  with 
it  at  its  current  value.  To  conclude,  sir,  I  rely  on  the 
honor  and  justice  of  the  House :  I  am  not  soliciting  for 
favor,  only  ask  for  justice.  This  is  due  to  every  man, 
and  that  I  am  persuaded  so  respectable  a  body  as  the 
representatives  of  the  people  of  this  state  will  deny  to 
no  man. 


296        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1781. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  sir,  your 
most  humble  servant, 

WIL.  LIVINGSTON. 
To  the  honorable  the  Speaker  of  the  General  Assembly 

of  the  state  of  New  Jersey. 


From  the   President  of  Congress  to  Governor 
Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  December  12th,  1781. 

SIR, — Although  the  present  aspect  of  our  public 
affairs  is  truly  favorable,  and  opens  to  our  view  the 
brightest  prospects  of  a  glorious  peace  and  the  unmo 
lested  possession  of  the  invaluable  rights  we  have  nobly 
dared  to  contend  for,  yet  a  relaxation  in  our  exertions 
will  not  only  be  disgraceful,  but  may  prove  dangerous 
and  even  fatal  to  our  liberties.  Congress  on  their  part 
are  determined  to  prevent  both  the  one  and  the  other. 
By  their  act  of  the  10th  instant,  a  copy  of  which  I  have 
the  honor  of  inclosing,  they  call  upon  the  legislature  of 
each  state  in  the  most  pressing  manner  to  complete  the 
quota  of  troops  assigned  to  them.  The  same  act  also 
contains  several  other  requisitions,  and  the  whole  of 
such  evident  magnitude  and  importance  as  render  it 
unnecessary  to  urge  any  thing  more  upon  the  subject. 
I  have  the  honor,  likewise,  of  transmitting  to  your 
Excellency  a  copy  of  an  act  of  Congress  of  the  llth 
instant,  recommending  to  the  legislature  of  each  state 
to  ascertain  their  number  of  white  inhabitants,  as  soon 
as  practicable.  A  foundation  for  equal  justice  on  a 


1781.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  297 

very  important  occasion  being  the  object  they  have  in 
view  in  desiring  this  information,  your  Excellency  and 
the  legislature  of  your  state  will,  do  doubt,  concur  with 
me  in  opinion  that  the  business  should  be  accomplished 
with  all  possible  accuracy  and  dispatch. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  sir,  your 
Excellency's  obedient  and  very  humble  servant, 

JOHN  HANSON,  Presid't. 
His  Excellency,  the  Governor  of  New  Jersey. 


Address  of  Congress  to  the  States. 

December  17th,  1781. 

The  United  States  in  Congress  assembled,  to  the 
legislatures  of  the  states  of  New  Hampshire,  Massa 
chusetts,  Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Plantations, 
Connecticut,  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania, 
Delaware,  Maryland,  Virginia,  North  Carolina,  South 
Carolina  and  Georgia. 

GENTLEMEN,— We  are  happy  to  observe  that  the 
present  year  hath  been  distinguished  by  the  reduction 
of  a  powerful  British  garrison  in  Virginia,  and  that  our 
arms  have  also  been  prosperous  in  other  parts  of  the 
United  States.  But  to  infer  that  our  inexorable  foe  is 
subdued  beyond  recovery  may  be  attended  with  ruinous 
consequences.  These  events  will  yield  but  momentary 
advantages  unless  supported  by  vigorous  measures  in 
future. 

From  an  assurance  that  peace  is  best  attained  by 
preparations  for  war,  and  that  in  the  cabinet  of  nego- 


298        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1781. 

ciations  those  arguments  carry  with  them  the  greatest 
weight  which  are  enforced  not  only  with  a  retrospect  of 
important  victories,  but  by  a  well  grounded  prospect  of 
future  successes.  We  have  called  upon  you  for  eight 
millions  of  dollars  and  for  your  respective  deficiency  of 
the  military  establishment.  Seven  years  have  nearly 
passed  since  the  sword  was  first  unsheathed.  The 
sums  expended  in  so  long  a  period  in  a  just  and  neces 
sary  war  must  appear  moderate,  nor  can  this  demand 
for  pecuniary  aid  be  deemed  exorbitant  by  those  who 
compute  the  extent  of  public  exigencies  and  the  propor 
tion  of  the  requisition  to  the  abilities  of  the  states. 
Suppose  not  that  funds  exist  for  our  relief  beyond  the 
limits  of  these  states.  As  the  possessions  of  the  citi 
zens  constitute  our  natural  resources,  and  from  a  sense 
of  their  sufficiency  the  standard  of  war  was  erected 
against  Great  Britain,  so  on  them  alone  we  now  rely. 
But  even  if  loans  were  attainable,  their  amount  would 
be  merely  commensurate  with  our  ability  and  inclina 
tion  to  repay,  and  by  nothing  can  both  be  more  satisfac 
torily  evidenced  than  by  a  generous  exertion  amidst  the 
languor  of  public  credit. 

Arguing  from  the  former  dilatoriness  of  supplies,  the 
enemy  after  having  abandoned  serious  expectations  of 
conquering  by  arms,  anticipate  it  in  imagination  from 
the  dissolution  of  our  public  credit.  They  cannot, 
however,  deny  the  firmness  of  the  basis  of  this  confed 
erated  country,  the  fruitfulness  of  its  soil,  and  the 
industry  of  its  people. 

But  the  want  of  money  is  not  the  only  source  of  our 


1781.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  299 

difficulties,  nor  do  the  enemy  gather  consolation  from 
the  state  of  finance  alone.  We  are  distressed  by  the 
thinness  of  our  battalions,  so  vulnerable  does  the  bold 
ness  of  navigation  render  the  very  bosom  of  these  states, 
so  dispersed  in  some  parts  is  the  population,  and  so 
rapid  our  enemy  in  transportation,  that  they  seize  and 
exhaust  large  districts  before  their  ravages  can  be 
checked.  The  requisition  for  the  completion  of  your 
battalions  is  therefore  not  only  reasonable  but  indispen 
sable. 

Tardiness  in  the  collection  of  our  troops  has  con 
stantly  encouraged  in  the  enemy  a  suspicion  that 
American  opposition  is  on  the  decline.  Hence  money 
from  time  to  time  is  poured  into  the  coffers  of  our 
enemy,  and  the  lender  perhaps  is  allured  by  the  prospect 
of  receiving  it  with  an  usurious  interest,  from  the  spoils 
of  confiscation. 

To  whom,  then,  rather  than  yourselves,  who  are 
called  to  the  guardianship  and  sovereignty  of  your 
country,  can  these  considerations  be  addressed  1  Joint 
laborers  as  we  are  in  the  work  of  independence,  duty 
impels  us  to  admonish  you  of  the  crisis.  We  possess 
no  funds  which  do  not  originate  with  you  ;  we  can 
command  no  levies  which  are  not  raised  under  your 
own  acts ;  well  shall  we  acquit  ourselves  to  the  world 
should  peace,  towards  the  acquisition  of  which  so  illus 
trious  a  point  hath  been  gained,  now  escape  our 
embraces  by  the  inadequacy  of  our  army  or  our  treas 
ure  ;  for  an  appeal  to  this  exposition  of  your  affairs  well 
demonstrate  our  watchfulness  of  your  happiness. 


300       CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1781. 

We  conjure  you  to  remember  what  confidence  we 
shall  establish  in  the  breast  of  that  great  monarch  who 
has  become  a  party  in  our  political  welfare,  by  a  bold, 
energetic  display  of  our  ability. 

We  therefore  trust  in  your  attention  and  zeal  to  avail 
yourselves  at  this  important  crisis  of  the  glorious  advan 
tages  lately  obtained  by  a  full  compliance  with  the 
requisitions  of  men  and  money  which  we  have  made  to 
you,  the  necessity  of  which  hath  been  pointed  out  to 
us  by  the  maturest  consideration  on  the  present  circum 
stances  of  these  United  States. 

By  order  of  Congress, 

JOHN  HANSON,  Presid't. 
State  of  New  Jersey. 


From  Abraham  Clark  to  the  Speaker  of  Assembly. 

Philadelphia,  December  17th,  1781. 

SIR, — Your  favor  of  the  10th  tome,  and  of  the  15th 
to  the  Delegates,  enclosing  your  instructions,  were  re 
ceived  yesterday  by  Mr.  Covenhoven.  The  instructions 
were  laid  before  Congress,  and  the  matters  therein  urged 
are  referred  to  a  committe,  and  will  be  duly  attended  to. 
Upon  receiving  the  instructions  relative  to  the  islands 
in  the  bay  and  river  Delaware,  the  applications  we 
were  directed  to  make  we  all  understood  was  for  a  set 
tlement  of  boundaries  agreeable  to  the  confederation  ; 
and  being  informed  by  the  delegates  of  Pennsylvania 
and  Delaware  that  such  an  expensive  mode  of  settle 
ment  might  be  avoided,  as  their  states  would  gladly 


1781.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.      301 

come  into  the  measure.  This  occasioned  our  delay  at 
that  time,  and  also  my  letter  at  the  first  meeting  of  the 
Legislature.  Hearing  nothing  from  you  for  some 
weeks,  we  determined  to  proceed  on  the  business,  which 
I  took  the  liberty  to  inform  you  of  by  letter  ;  but  in 
taking  the  business  up  we  found  ourselves  at  a  loss  to 
discover  the  real  wish  and  intentions  of  the  Legislature, 
as  the  applications  directed  were  different  from  the 
mode  pointed  out  in  the  confederation  for  settling 
boundaries.  This,  Mr.  Houston  engaged  to  inform  you 
of,  we  never  once  conceived  a  thought  that  you  doubted 
your  right  to  the  islands  contiguous  to  our  shore  until 
meeting  with  Mr.  Treat  a  few  days  ago,  he  informed 
me  of  your  doubts  in  that  respect,  which  are  confirmed 
by  your  letter  of  the  10th. 

We  shall  at  all  times  pay  due  respect  and  attention 
to  any  instructions  we  may  be  charged  with,  at  the 
same  time  think  it  our  indispensable  duty  to  advise  you 
of  the  difficulties  that  may  probably  arise  in  the  prose 
cution.  If  a  title  to  the  islands  and  a  line  of  jurisdic 
tion  is  all  that  the  legislature  had  in  view,  they  will,  I 
presume,  be  satisfied  by  Covenhoven  that  the  business 
can  only  be  effected  by  joint  concurrence  of  the  states 
concerned,  without  any  interference  of  Congress.  It 
is  however  suggested  that  your  real  designs  were  to 
establish  a  precedent  for  Congress  to  dispose  of  all 
unappropriated  crown  lands  in  the  several  states.  This 
I  cannot  believe  was  had  in  contemplation  by  you,  as 
we  had  no  intimations  of  it,  but  whether  true  or  false 
will  be  a  most  effectual  bar  to  our  obtaining  any  grant 
for  the  following  reasons.  Most  of  the  states  having 


302         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1781. 

within  their  claims  large  quantities  of  unappropriated 
lands,  will  not  agree  that  Congress  shall  exercise  such  a 
right  unless  it  be  over  such  lands  as  shall  be  ceded,  and 
if  our  application  should  be  considered  as  a  cession  of 
our  claims  to  the  islands,  they  will,  if  they  do  any  thing, 
sell  them  at  full  value,  in  which  we  shall  by  your  appli 
cation  lose  what  we  have  a  just  right  to  by  the  law  of 
nations,  and  settle  no  precedent  to  our  advantage,  which 
you  may  be  assured  will  be  carefully  guarded  against. 
Congress  is  now  represented  by  only  nine  states,  the 
jealousies  that  will  arise  on  an  application  for  a  grant 
will  influence  most  of  the  states  to  oppose  it  on  every 
political  principle.  Seven  states  are  necessary  to  con 
cur  in  every  question  of  the  smallest  moment,  in  all 
wherein  there  is  any  appropriation  nine  states  must 
concur.  What  chance  have  we  then  in  the  present 
case  1  None  that  I  can  see  but  the  loss  of  what  we 
have  an  indubitable  right  to,  and  which  we  have  in  our 
power  to  hold  the  peaceable  possession  of. 

As  the  business  before  Congress  will  not  at  present, 
and  for  some  days  to  come  admit  of  a  consideration  of 
this  matter,  we  can  readily  comply  with  Mr.  Covenho- 
ven's  desire  to  let  the  matter  rest  for  a  few  days,  till  you 
can  be  informed  of  the  above  and  such  other  matters 
relative  thereto  as  he  will  be  able  to  communicate. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  all  due  respect,  sir,  your 
obed't  humble  serv't, 

ABRA.  CLARK. 
Hon'e  JOHN  MEHELM,  Esq.,  Speaker  of  the  Assembly. 

P.  S.  I  wish  this  representation  might  be  communi 
cated  to  the  Council. 


1782.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  303 

Circular. 

Philadelphia,  January  23d,  1782. 

SIR, — Although  it  may  be  somewhat  out  of  my 
province  to  address  your  Excellency  on  a  subject  not 
immediately  of  a  military  nature,  yet  I  consider  it  so 
nearly  connected  with,  and  so  essential  to,  the  opera 
tions  under  my  direction,  that  I  flatter  myself  that  my 
interference  will  not  be  deemed  impertinent. 

Upon  applying  to  the  superintendent  of  finances  to 
know  howT  far  I  might  depend  upon  him  for  the  pay, 
feeding  and  clothing  of  the  army  for  the  current  year, 
he  very  candidly  laid  open  to  me  the  state  of  our 
moneyed  affairs  and  convinced  me,  that  although  the 
assistances  we  had  derived  from  abroad  were  consider 
able,  yet  they  would  be  by  no  means  adequate  to  our 
expenses.  He  informed  me  further  that  to  make  up 
the  deficiency,  the  states  had  been  called  upon  by  Con 
gress  for  eight  millions  of  dollars  for  the  service  of  the 
year  1782,  and  showed  me  the  copy  of  a  circular  letter 
from  himself  to  the  several  legislatures,  in  which  he 
had  so  fully  and  clearly  pointed  out  the  necessity  of 
a  compliance  with  the  requisition,  that  it  is  needless 
far  me  to  say  more  on  that  head,  than  that  I  entirely 
concur  with  him  in  opinion  so  far  as  he  has  gone  into 
the  matter.  But  there  are  other  reasons  which  could 
not  be  so  well  known  to  him  as  to  me,  as  having  come 
under  my  observation,  and  which  therefore  I  shall  take 
the  liberty  to  mention. 

Your  Excellency  cannot  but  remember  the  ferment 
into  which  the  whole  army  was  thrown  twelve  months 


304         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1782. 

ago  for  the  want  of  pay  and  a  regular  supply  of  cloth 
ing  and  provisions,  and  with  how  much  difficulty  they 
were  brought  into  temper  by  a  partial  supply  of  the 
two  first  and  a  promise  of  more  regular  supplies  of  all 
in  future.  Those  promises  the  soldiery  now  begin  to 
claim,  and  although  now  we  shall  be  able  to  satisfy 
them  tolerably  with  respect  to  clothing,  and  perfectly 
with  regard  to  provisions,  (if  the  financier  is  enabled 
to  comply  with  his  contracts,)  yet  there  is  no  prospect 
of  obtaining  pay,  until  a  part  of  the  money  required 
of  the  states  can  be  brought  into  the  public  treasury. 
You  cannot  conceive  the  uneasiness  which  arises  from 
the  want  of  so  essential  an  article  as  money,  and  the 
real  difficulties  in  which  the  officers  in  particular,  are 
involved  on  this  account.  The  favorable  aspect  of  our 
affairs,  and  the  hopes  that  matters  are  in  a  train  to 
afford  them  relief,  contribute  to  keep  them  quiet,  but  I 
cannot  answer  for  the  effects  of  a  disappointment. 

Enabling  the  Financier  to  comply  with  his  contracts 
is  a  matter  of  the  utmost  consequence,  the  very  exist 
ence  of  the  army  depends  upon  it.  Should  he  fail  in 
his  payments,  the  contract  ceases,  and  there  is  no 
alternative  left  but  to  disband  or  live  upon  the  seizure 
of  the  neighboring  property.  The  saving  to  the  public 
by  feeding  an  army  by  contract,  is  too  well  known  to 
need  any  illustration,  and  that  alone  ought  to  be  a 
sufficient  inducement  to  the  states  to  find  the  means  of 
adhering  to  it. 

It  will  perhaps  be  urged  that  the  sum  called  for  is 
immense,  and  beyond  the  ability  of  the  country  to 


1782.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  305 

pay.  There  is  one  plain  answer  to  that  objection, 
should  it  be  made.  It  is,  if  the  war  is  carried  on,  a 
certain  expense  must  be  increased,  and  that  such  ex 
pense  must  be  drawn  from  the  people,  either  by  a  par 
tial,  cruel,  and  I  may  say,  illegal  seizure  of  that  pro 
perty,  which  lays  most  convenient  to  the  army,  or  by  a 
regular  and  equitable  tax  in  money  or  specific  articles. 
Money,  if  it  can  be  procured,  is  to  be  preferred,  because 
it  is  neither  liable  to  waste,  nor  is  it  expensive  in  the 
mode  of  collection  or  transportation  ;  whereas,  I  think 
I  may  venture  to  say,  that  a  great  proportion  of  the 
specific  articles  have  been  wasted,  after  the  people  have 
furnished  them  ;  and  that  the  transportation  alone  of 
what  have  reached  the  army,  has  in  numberless  instan 
ces  cost  more  than  the  value  of  the  articles  themselves, 

To  bring  this  war  to  a  speedy  and  happy  conclusion, 
must  be  the  fervent  wish  of  every  lover  of  his  country, 
and  sure  I  am  that  no  means  are  so  likely  to  effect 
this,  as  vigorous  preparations  for  another  campaign. 
Whether  then  we  consult  our  true  interests,  substantial 
economy,  or  sound  policy,  we  shall  find  that  relaxation 
and  languor  are  of  all  things  to  be  avoided.  Conduct 
of  that  kind  on  our  part,  will  produce  fresh  hopes  and 
new  exertions  on  that  of  the  enemy ;  whereby  the  war, 
which  has  already  held  beyond  the  general  expectation, 
may  be  protracted  to  such  a  length,  that  the  people, 
groaning  under  the  burden  of  it,  and  despairing  of  suc 
cess,  may  think  any  change  a  change  for  the  better. 

I  will  close  with  a  request  that  your  Excellency  will 
be  good  enough  to  take  the  first  opportunity  of  laying 

20 


306         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1782- 

these  my  sentiments  before  the  legislature  of  your  state. 
From  the  attention  they  have  been  pleased  to  pay  to 
any  former  requisitions  or  representations  of  mine,  I  am 
encouraged  to  hope  that  the  present,  which  is  equally 
important  with  any  I  have  ever  made,  will  meet  with  a 
favorable  reception. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  your  Ex 
cellency's  most  obed't  and  h'ble  serv't, 

G°  WASHINGTON. 

His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


From  General  Washington  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Head-quarters,  Philadelphia,  Jan.  31,  T/82. 

SIR, — I  have  the  honor  of  transmitting  herewith,  ac 
curate  returns  of  the  number  of  men  now  in  service 
from  your  state,  in  order  that  measures  may  be  taken 
for  completing  the  regiments  to  the  full  establishment, 
agreeably  to  the  resolutions  of  Congress  of  the  10th  of 
December.     I  cannot  omit  so  favorable  an  occasion  of 
expressing  to  your  Excellency  my  sentiments  on  this 
subject,   and  of  entreating  in  the  most  earnest  manner, 
that  there  may  be  a  speedy,  pointed  and  effectual  com 
pliance  with  those  requisitions. 

It  will,  I  flatter  myself,  be  unnecessary  to  recapitulate 
all  the  arguments  I  made  use  of  in  the  circular  letter  I 
had  the  honor  to  address  to  the  governors  of  the  seve 
ral  states,  at  the  close  of  the  campaign  of  1780,  in 
which  it  must  be  remembered  I  took  the  liberty  to  urge, 
from  the  knowledge  I  had  of  our  affairs  and  a  series  of 


1782.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  307 

experience,  the  policy,  the  expediency,  the  necessity  of 
recruiting  the  army,  as  the  only  probable  means  of 
bringing  the  war  to  a  speedy  and  happy  conclusion.  If 
those  arguments  had  any  influence  at  that  time,  if  the 
consequent  exertions  were  crowned  with  success,  if  the 
present  crisis  exhibits  new  and  more  forcible  induce 
ments  for  still  greater  efforts,  let  me  point  your  Excel 
lency  and  the  legislature  to  those  considerations,  and 
especially  let  me  recommend  in  the  warmest  terms,  that 
all  the  fruits  of  the  success  which  have  been  obtained 
the  last  campaign  may  not  be  thrown  away  by  an  in 
glorious  winter  of  languor  and  inactivity. 

However,  at  this  advanced  stage  of  the  war  it  might 
seem  to  be  an  insult  on  the  understanding  to  suppose  a 
long  train  of  reasoning  necessary,  to  prove  that  a  res 
pectable  force  in  the  field  is  essential  to  the  establish 
ment  of  our  liberties  and  independence ;  yet  as  I  am 
apprehensive  the  prosperous  issue  of  the  combined  ope 
ration  in  Virginia,  may  have  (as  is  too  common  in  such 
cases)  the  pernicious  tendency  of  lulling  the  country  into 
a  lethargy  of  inactivity  and  security ;  and  as  I  feel  my 
own  reputation,  as  well  as  the  interest,  the  honor,  the 
glory  and  happiness  of  my  country  intimately  concerned 
in  the  event,  I  will  ask  the  indulgence  to  speak  the  more 
freely  on  those  accounts,  and  to  make  some  of  the  ob 
servations  which  the  present  moment  seem  to  suggest. 

That  the  broken  and  perplexed  state  of  the  enemy's 
affairs,  and  the  successes  of  the  last  campaign  on  our 
part,  ought  to  be  a  powerful  incitement  to  vigourous  pre 
parations  for  the  next ;  that  unless  we  strenuously  exert 


308         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1782. 

ourselves  to  profit  by  these  successes,  we  shall  not  only 
lose  all  the  solid  advantages  that  might  be  derived  from 
them,  but  we  shall  become  contemptible  in  our  own 
eyes,  in  the  eyes  of  our  enemies,  in  the  opinion  of  pos 
terity  and  even  in  the  estimation  of  the  whole  world ; 
which  will  consider  us  as  a  nation  unworthy  of  pros 
perity  because  we  know  not  how  to  make  a  right  use 
of  it ;  that  although  we  cannot  by  the  best  concerted 
plans,  absolutely  command  success ;  although  the  race 
is  not  always  to  the  swift,  or  the  battle  to  the  strong, 
without  presumptuously  waiting  for  miracles  to  be 
wrought  in  our  favor,  it  is  our  indispensable  duty 
with  the  deepest  gratitude  to  Heaven  for  the  past,  and 
humble  confidence  in  its  smiles  on  our  future  operations, 
to  make  use  of  all  the  means  in  our  power  for  our  de 
fence  and  security.  That  this  period  is  particularly 
important;  because  no  circumstances  since  the  com 
mencement  of  the  war  have  been  so  favorable  for 
the  recruiting  service  as  the  present,  and  because  it  is 
to  be  presumed  from  the  increase  of  population  and  the 
brilliant  prospects  before  us,  it  is  in  our  power  to  com 
plete  the  army,  before  the  opening  of  the  campaign ; 
that  however  flattering  these  prospects  may  be,  much 
still  remains  to  be  done,  which  cannot  probably  be 
effected,  unless  the  army  is  recruited  to  its  establishment ; 
and  consequently  the  continuance  or  termination  of 
the  war  seem  principally  to  rest  on  the  vigor  and  decision 
of  the  states  iu  this  interesting  point.  And  finally,  that 
it  is  our  first  object  of  policy,  under  every  supposable  or 
possible  case,  to  have  a  powerful  army  in  the  field,  for 


1782.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  309 

we  must  suppose  the  enemy  are  either  disposed  "  to 
prosecute  the  war  or  enter  into  a  negotiation  for  peace." 
There  is  no  other  alternative;  the  former  position,  a 
respectable  army  becomes  necessary  to  counteract  the 
enemy  and  to  prevent  the  accumulating  expenses  of  a 
lingering  war ;  on  the  latter,  nothing  but  a  decidedly 
superior  force  can  enable  us  boldly  to  proclaim  our 
rights,  and  dictate  the  law  at  the  pacification.  So  that 
whatever  may  be  the  disposition  of  the  enemy,  it  is 
evidently  our  only  interest  and  economy  to  act  libe 
rally,  and  exert  ourselves  greatly  during  the  present 
winter  to  cut  off  at  once  all  the  expenses  of  the  war  by 
putting  a  period  to  it. 

And  soon  might  that  day  arrive,  soon  might  we  hope 
to  enjoy  the  blessings  of  peace,  if  we  could  see  again 
the  same  animation  in  the  cause  of  our  country  inspire 
every  breast ;  the  same  passion  for  freedom  and  military 
glory  impel  our  youth  to  the  field,  the  same  disinterest 
ed  patriotism  pervade  every  rank  of  men,  as  was  con 
spicuous  at  the  commencement  of  this  glorious  revolu 
tion.  And  I  am  persuaded  only  some  great  occasion 
was  wanting,  such  as  the  present  moment  exhibits,  to 
kindle  the  latent  spark  of  that  patriotic  fire  into  a  gen 
erous  flame  ;  to  rouse  again  the  unconquerable  spirit  of 
liberty,  which  has  sometimes  seemed  to  slumber  for 
awhile,  into  the  full  vigor  of  action. 

I  cannot  conclude  this  letter  without  expressing  my 
full  expectation  that  the  several  states,  animated  with 
the  noblest  principles,  and  convinced  of  the  policy  of 
complying  faithfully  with  the  requisitions,  will  be  only 


310         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1782. 

emulous  which  shall  be  foremost  in  furnishing  its 
quota  of  men,  that  the  calculation  of  the  numbers 
wanted  to  fill  the  deficiency,  may  be  so  ample,  as, 
(allowing  for  all  the  casualties  and  deductions)  will  be 
sufficient  certainly  to  complete  the  battalions  ;  that  the 
measures  for  this  purpose  may  be  so  explicit,  pointed 
and  energetic,  as  will  inevitably  furnish  the  recruits  in 
season ;  and  that  such  checks  may  be  established  to 
prevent  imposition  in  the  quality  of  the  men,  that  no 
recruits  may  be  accepted,  but  those  who  are  in  fact 
able-bodied  and  effective.  Should  any  of  a  different 
description  be  sent  to  the  army  they  must  be  rejected, 
the  expenses  thrown  away,  and  the  service  injured, 
though  others  are  required  to  fill  their  places ;  for  it  is 
only  deceiving  ourselves  with  having  a  nominal  instead 
of  a  real  force  and  consuming  the  public  provisions  and 
clothing  to  no  effect,  by  attempting  to  impose  decrepit 
or  improper  men  or  boys  upon  us  as  soldiers. 

With  the  highest  respect  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir, 
your  Excellency's  most  obedient,  humble  servant, 

Gu  WASHINGTON. 

His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 

From  General  Washington  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Head-Quarters,  Philadelphia,  March  5th,  1782. 

SIR, — The   operations  of  the  next  campaign  being 

contingent,  depending  in  a  great  degree  upon  measures 

which  are  not  within  my  controul,  and  very  much  upon 

the  plans  of  the  enemy  and  their  efforts  to  carry  them 


1782.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.      311 

into  execution,  it  is  impossible  for  me  at  this  time  to 
say  whether  any  or  how  many  militia  the  states  in  this 
part  of  the  continent  may  be  called  upon  to  furnish  for 
the  purposes  of  the  ensuing  campaign  ;  but  as  I  per 
suade  myself  it  is  the  wish  of  every  one  of  them  to  see 
a  vigorous  offensive  plan  prosecuted,  with  a  view  of  ter 
minating  the  war  honorably  and  speedily ;  it  becomes 
my  duty  to  inform  that,  the  continental  force  (admitting 
the  battalions  should  be  completed)  aided  by  any  auxil 
iary  troops  that  I  have  any  expectations  of,  is  totally 
inadequate  to  the  first  and  great  object  which  presents 
itself  to  our  view  ;  and  therefore  it  may  be  essential  to 
my  future  plan  that  the  executive  powers  of  the  states 
should  be  (if  they  are  not  so  already)  vested  with  suffi 
cient  authority  to  call  forth,  properly  equipped,  such  a 
body  of  militia  as  the  exigencies  of  the  service  may 
require ; — the  demand  will  not  be  made  but  in  case  of 
necessity,  and  will  be  postponed  as  long  as  possible. 
The  consequences  therefore  of  the  want  of  such  powers, 
or  of  the  delay  occasioned  by  calling  an  Assembly,  in 
such  an  emergency  might  prove  fatal  to  our  operations, 
and  injurious  to  our  cause. 

I  need  not  add  how  much  it  is  my  wish  and  desire, 
and  how  much  the  public  interest  will  be  promoted  by 
it,  that  the  continental  regiments  should  be  completed — 
every  man  of  which  these  are  deficient  will  add  to  the 
draughting  and  doubly  to  the  public  expenses — while 
these  troops  will  not  be  so  competent  to  the  purposes 
for  which  they  are  wanted,  to  say  nothing  of  the  disad 
vantages  which  agriculturers  and  manufacturers  will 


312       CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1782. 

sustain  by  having  the  laborers  and  artisans  called  off 
from  their  work. 

I  would  beg  leave  to  suggest  that  the  longer  term  the 
militia  can  be  drawn  out  for,  the  more  beneficial  and 
less  expensive  will  their  services  be ;  and  that,  in  case 
of  a  siege,  they  ought  to  be  engaged  during  the  con 
tinuance  of  it,  or  until  relieved  by  an  equal  number,  so 
that  the  operating  strength  may  not  be  diminished  at  a 
critical  moment,  when  it  may  be  most  wanted. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  greatest  respect  and 
esteem,  your  Excellency's  most  obedient  servant, 

G°  WASHINGTON. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


From  General  Washington  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Head-Quarters,  May  4th,  1782. 

SIR, — I  find  myself  arrived  at  that  period  at  which  I 
hoped  to  have  seen  the  battalions  of  the  several  states 
completed  to  their  full  establishment,  in  conformity  to 
the  requisitions  of  Congress  of  December  last. 

From  the  returns  of  recruits  which  I  have  been  able 
to  obtain,  I  am  very  sorry  to  observe  that  my  expecta 
tions  in  this  respect  are  almost  totally  disappointed. 

All  my  accounts  from  Europe  concur  in  declaring 
that  the  British  king  and  ministry  are  still  determined 
to  prosecute  the  war.  It  becomes  therefore  our  decided 
duty  to  be  prepared  for  these  hostile  intentions  in  what 
ever  way  they  are  to  be  carried  into  execution,  to  do 
which  our  utmost  exertions  will  be  called  for.  You 


1782.]      EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.       313 

will  suffer  me  therefore  to  intreat  that  if  your  state  have 
any  expectations  from  the  military  operations  of  this 
season,  not  another  moment  may  be  lost  in  providing 
for  and  carrying  into  most  effectual  execution  the  full 
completion  of  their  battalions.  It  is  scarcely  necessary 
to  inform  you  that  on  this  expectation  all  my  calcula 
tions  must  be  formed,  and  on  this  event  will  depend  all 
the  hopes  of  the  ensuing  campaign. 

My  intelligence  of  the  actual  aid  which  we  may 
expect  from  our  allies,  is  not  so  explicit  as  to  lead  me  to 
decide  absolutely  on  the  mode  of  operations  for  the 
campaign,  but  were  our  expectations  of  support  from 
that  quarter  ever  so  promising,  yet  from  the  negligence 
and  languor  of  the  states  from  whence  our  own  exertions 
are  to  spring,  I  am  not  at  this  day  enabled  to  give  any 
assurance  of  our  being  prepared  to  co-operate  with  our 
allies  in  any  great  objects,  equal  to  their  expectations  or 
our  own  ability. 

I  am  sorry  to  acquaint  your  Excellency  that  I  have 
the  best  authority  to  inform  you  that  the  court  of  France 
is  much  dissatisfied  with  this  want  of  vigor  in  the  states, 
and  with  that  disposition  which  appears  willing  at 
least,  if  not  desirous,  to  cast  all  the  burden  of  the 
American  war  upon  them.  Waving  the  justice  and 
impolicy  of  such  a  temper  (which  to  me  appear  very 
conspicuous)  how  humiliating  is  the  idea  of  placing 
upon  others  our  dependence  for  support  beyond  that 
point  which  absolute  necessity  dictates.  How  discour 
aging  to  our  allies,  and  how  dishonorable  to  ourselves, 
must  be  our  want  of  vigor  and  utmost  exertion  at  a 


314        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1782. 

time  when  if  we  are  not  wanting  to  ourselves  our 
prospects  are  the  fairest  that  our  wishes  could  extend  to. 

I  am  sorry  to  find  from  the  proceedings  of  the  several 
states,  that  their  calculations  of  deficiencies,  formed  on 
application  made  to  the  towns  who  furnish  the  men,  are 
greatly  different  from  the  returns  sent  from  the  army. 
I  forbear  to  mention  many  reasons  which  might  be 
assigned  to  produce  this  difference,  and  which  in  my 
opinion  originate  principally  within  the  states,  and  will 
content  myself  with  this  one  observation,  that  should 
the  states  deceive  themselves  in  this  respect  and  fail  to 
furnish  the  expected  force  in  the  field,  they  will  not  only 
cast  an  essential  injury  on  the  army,  but  the  unhappy 
consequences  of  a  failure  in  our  military  operations  will 
reverberate  upon  themselves,  whilst  recrimination  will 
have  no  effect  towards  alleviating  our  protracted  mis 
fortunes  and  distress. 

Although  money  matters  are  not  within  the  line  of 
my  duty,  yet  as  they  are  so  intimately  connected  with 
all  military  operations,  and  being  lately  informed  by  the 
financier,  in  answer  to  some  small  requisitions  on  him, 
that  he  has  not  yet  received  one  penny  in  money  from 
any  one  state  upon  the  requisition  for  the  8,000,000 
dollars,  but  that  on  the  contrary  some  states  are  devising 
ways  to  draw  from  him  the  small  sums  he  has  been 
able  otherwise  to  obtain,  and  that  he  is  now  but  scarcely 
able  to  feed  the  army  from  hand  to  mouth  :— I  cannot 
forbear  to  express  my  apprehensions  from  that  quarter ; 
and  to  urge  with  all  the  warmth  of  zeal  and  earnestness 
that  most  pointed  and  spirited  attention  of  your  state  to 


1782,]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.         315 

the  actual  raising  and  collecting  their  proportion  of  the 
mentioned  requisition.  Upon  the  present  plan  of  non- 
compliance  to  requisitions  for  men  and  supplies,  let  me 
seriously  ask  your  Excellency  how  is  it  possible  to  sup 
port  an  army  in  money  or  recruits  I  how  is  it  possible  for 
us  to  continue  the  war  ?  to  what  a  wretched  state  must 
we  soon  be  reduced  1  how  dangerous  is  it  to  suffer  our 
affairs  to  run  at  hazard  ?  and  to  depend  upon  contingen 
cies.  To  what  do  the  present  measures  tend,  but  to  the 
utter  ruin  of  that  cause  which  we  have  so  long  and  so 
nobly  supported,  and  to  crush  all  the  fair  hopes  which  the 
present  moment  places  before  us,  were  we  only  to  exert 
the  power  and  abilities  with  which  Providence  has  so 
bountifully  blessed  this  country.  But  if  the  states  will 
not  impose,  or  do  not  collect  and  apply,  taxes  for  the 
support  of  the  war,  the  sooner  we  make  terms  the 
better.  The  longer  we  continue  a  feeble  and  ineffect 
ual  war,  the  greater  will  be  our  distress  at  the  hour  of 
submission.  For  my  own  part  I  am  fully  convinced 
that  without  the  means  of  execution  no  officer,  who 
ever  he  may  be,  who  is  placed  at  the  head  of  the 
military  department  can  be  answerable  for  the  success 
of  any  plans  he  may  propose  or  agree  to.  Upon  this 
subject  I  will  only  add  that  from  past  experience  and 
present  prospects  I  am  persuaded  that  if  the  states 
would  furnish  the  supplies  agreeable  to  late  requisitions, 
and  would  suffer  the  pay,  clothing  and  subsistence  of 
the  army  to  go  through  one  common  channel,  that  two 
thirds  of  their  former  expenses  would  be  saved,  and 
many  partialities,  discontents  and  jealousies  which 


316         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1782. 

now  subsist  would  be  removed,  and  an  establishment  of 
order,  regularity  and  harmony  in  our  public  affairs 
would  take  place,  which  cannot  arise  from  the  present 
disjointed  and  different  systems  of  finance  which  are 
adopted  by  separate  states. 

While  acting  in  my  military  capacity  I  am  sensible 
of  the  impropriety  of  stepping  into  the  lines  of  civil 
polity.  My  anxiety  for  the  general  good,  and  an 
earnest  desire  to  bring  this  long  protracted  war  to  a 
happy  issue, — when  I  hope  to  retire  to  that  peaceful  state 
of  domestic  pleasure  from  whence  the  call  of  my  coun 
try  has  brought  me  to  take  an  active  part,  and  to  which 
I  most  ardently  wish  a  speedy  return, — I  hope  will  fur 
nish  my  excuse  with  your  Excellency  and  the  legisla 
ture  when  I  request  your  pardon  for  this  trespass. 

If  I  should  have  occasion  for  the  militia  of  your 
state,  the  call  will  be  sudden,  and  their  movements  must 
be  rapid,  otherwise  great  expense  will  accrue  and  dis 
grace  and  disappointment  will  ensue.  For  these 
reasons  I  beg  leave  to  recall  your  Excellency's  atten 
tion  to  my  letter  of  the  5th  March  last,  and  to  pray 
most  earnestly  that  every  previous  arrangement  may  be 
taken  to  facilitate  their  march  when  requested. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  your  Excellency's  most 
obedient  servant, 

G°  WASHINGTON. 
His  Excellency,  Gov'r  LIVINGSTON. 


1782.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  317 

From  General  Washington  to  Governor  Livingston. 

May  8th,  1782. 

SIR, — Since  writing  the  above  I  have  been  furnished 
with  sundry  English  and  New  York  papers  containing 
the  last  intelligence  from  England,  with  the  debates  of 
Parliament  upon  several  motions  respecting  the  Ameri 
can  war.  Lest  your  Excellency  may  not  have  been 
favored  with  so  full  a  sight  of  these  papers  as  I  have 
been,  I  take  the  liberty  to  mention  that  I  have  perused 
these  debates  with  great  care  and  attention,  with  a  view 
if  possible  to  penetrate  their  real  design.  And  upon 
the  most  mature  deliberation  I  am  obliged  to  declare  it 
as  my  opinion  that  the  measure  in  all  its  views,  so  far  as 
it  respects  America,  is  merely  delusory,  having  no 
serious  intent  to  admit  our  independence,  but  is  calcu 
lated  to  produce  a  change  of  ministers,  to  quiet  the 
minds  of  their  own  people,  and  reconcile  them  to  a 
continuance  of  the  war, — and  is  meant  to  amuse  this 
country  with  a  false  idea  of  peace  to  draw  us  off  from 
our  connection  with  France,  and  to  lull  us  into  a  state 
of  security  and  inactivity,  which  taking  place,  the  min 
istry  will  be  left  to  prosecute  the  war  in  other  parts  of 
the  world  with  greater  vigor  and  effect. 

Your  Excellency  will  permit  me  on  this  occasion  to 
observe  that  if  even  the  nation  and  parliament  are 
really  in  earnest  to  obtain  peace  with  America,  it  will 
undoubtedly  be  wisdom  in  us  to  meet  them  with  great 
caution  and  circumspection,  and  by  all  means  to  keep 
our  arms  firm  in  our  hands,  and  instead  of  relaxing  one 


318       CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY          [1782. 

iota  in  our  exertions,  rather  to  spring  forward  with 
redoubled  vigor,  that  we  may  take  advantage  of  every 
favorable  opportunity,  until  our  wishes  are  fully  obtained. 
No  nation  ever  suffered  in  treaty  by  preparing  even  in 
the  hour  of  negotiation  most  vigorously  for  the  field. 

The  industry  which  the  enemy  are  using  to  propa 
gate  these  pacific  reports  is  to  me  a  very  suspicious 
circumstance,  and  the  eagerness  with  which  the  people 
as  I  am  informed  are  catching  at  them,  is  in  my  opinion 
equally  dangerous. 

I  am  your  Excellency's  most  obed't  servant, 

G°  WASHINGTON. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


From  Robert  Morris  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Office  of  Finance,  July  29th,  1782. 

SIR, — Finding  that  several  states  are  still  in  the  habit 
of  making  partial  payments  to  their  troops,  as  well  as  of 
expending  monies  for  the  purchase  of  clothing,  it  be 
comes  my  duty  to  inform  you  that  the  requisitions  for 
the  service  the  current  year  included  both  the  pay  and 
clothing  of  the  continental  army.  Any  payments 
which  the  several  states  may  think  proper  to  make,  or 
any  expenditures  for  clothing  or  the  like,  cannot  be 
admitted  in  deduction  from  the  quota  assigned  them. 
It  becomes  necessary  for  many  reasons  which  I  will  not 
trouble  your  Excellency  with  the  enumeration  of,  that 
nothing  be  received  from  the  states  but  money.  This 
alone  can  prevent  those  intricate  accounts  which  hith- 


1782.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.          319 

erto  have  involved  every  thing  in  a  labarynth  of  con 
fusion.  Had  the  states  complied  with  the  requisitions 
made  on  them  for  the  current  service  in  any  degree 
proportionate  either  to  the  magnitude  and  urgency  of 
the  occasion,  we  should  ere  this  have  had  the  pleasure 
of  knowing  that  our  army  enjoyed  all  the  emoluments 
they  have  a  right  to  ask  for.  I  take  the  liberty  to  add 
that  it  would  be  proper  to  cause  accounts  to  be  trans 
mitted  to  the  Paymaster  General  as  speedily  as  possible 
of  what  has  been  advanced  for  pay,  that  he  may  at 
least  prevent  a  double  credit  for  the  same  sums.  With 
respect  to  the  pay  which  may  have  become  due  anteri 
orly  to  the  first  day  of  January  1782,  it  will  become  a 
part  of  that  debt  from  the  United  States,  for  the  funding 
of  which  revenues  will  be  required  from  the  several 
states,  so  soon  as  Congress  shall  have  digested  their  re- 
lutions  on  that  subject. 

I  have  on  many  occasions  delivered  the  sentiments 
contained  above  to  several  of  the  states,  as  circumstan 
ces  called  or  occasion  required,  but  it  appears  necessary 
to  make  the  formal  communication  to  all,  and  there 
fore  I  must  pray  your  Excellency  to  excuse  my  repeti 
tions  which  may  have  happened. 

Before  I  close  this  letter  I  must  observe,  sir,  that  of 
four  millions  payable  according  to  the  requisitions  of 
Congress,  by  the  first  instant,  I  did  not  receive  forty- 
thousand  dollars.  Judge  then  of  the  anticipations 
which  were  necessary  to  bring  us  where  we  are.  Judge 
of  the  situation  in  which  we  are  placed ;  and  be  not 
surprised  at  any  consequences  which  may  follow  from 


320        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1782- 

that  universal  neglect  which  is  alike  unaccountable  and 
inexcusable. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  very  great  respect,  sir, 
your  Excellency's  most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

ROBT  MORRIS. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  of  New  Jersey. 


From  Robert  Morris  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Office  of  Finance,  30th  July,  1782. 

SIR, — I  do  myself  the  honor  to  enclose  the  extract  of  a 
letter  received  from  a  confidential  correspondent  in  one 
of  the  United  States.  The  evil  there  mentioned  is  of 
so  dangerous  a  nature,  that  should  it  prevail  in  any  de 
grees  the  consequences  may  be  fatal.  I  know  that  the 
selfish  spirit  there  complained  of  is  but  too  prevalent, 
and  it  is  not  very  long  since  I  bore  my  testimony  against 
it,  from  a  just  apprehension  that  the  safety  of  our  country 
might  be  thereby  endangered.  If  it  is  of  consequence 
that  a  war  which  has  cost  already  so  much  blood  and 
treasure,  be  safely  and  honorably  concluded,  it  must  be 
vigorously  prosecuted.  If  it  is  to  be  vigorously  prose 
cuted,  the  means  must  be  granted.  If  the  means  are 
to  be  granted,  the  several  states  must  contribute  speedily 
and  effectually.  If  one  has  a  right  to  prefer  local  to 
general  interests,  others  have  the  same  right.  If  one 
exercise  that  privilege,  so  may  all,  and  if  all  do  there  is 
an  end  of  our  efforts.  Congress  had  foreseen  the  dan 
ger  and  called  on  the  states  to  provide  for  collecting  the 
continental  separate  from  the  state  taxes.  Since  this 


1782.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  321 

has  not  been  done  perhaps  the  reasons  of  the  refusal 
may  account  for  the  facts  stated  in  the  extract.  I 
must  pray  of  your  Excellency  to  provide  such  remedy 
to  anything  of  this  sort  which  may  exist  in  your  state, 
as  shall  be  within  your  power,  and  that  you  will  urge 
the  legislature  to  make  that  solid  provision  which  can 
alone  prevent  it  in  future. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  your  Excellency's  most 
obedient  and  humble  servant, 

ROB'T  MORRIS. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 

[Extract  Enclosed.'] 

"  The  Assembly  when  they  granted  a  tax  for  conti 
nental  purposes,  direct  the  collection  through  the  same 
channels  in  which  state  taxes  are  collected  ;  this  in  most 
instances  makes  the  same  person  collector  both  of  the 
state  and  continental  tax,  and  the  executions  to  enforce 
both  the  one  and  the  other,  issue  from  the  same  person, 
viz.  the  treasurer  of  the  state ;  the  consequence  is  that 
a  preference  will  be  given  to  taxes  for  state  purposes  ; 
and  if  no  urgent  necessity  requires  issuing  executions 
for  state  taxes,  there  will  be  danger  of  delaying  the  ex 
ecution  of  the  continental  taxes,  and  the  more  popular 
the  government  is,  the  greater  will  their  danger  be 
increased  ;  and  whenever  the  same  person  is  in  arrear 
on  different  taxes,  he  will  apply  all  his  collections 
to  that  which  will  give  him  the  longest  time  to  col 
lect  in. 

I  should  not  have  troubled  you  on  this  subject,  but  I 
21 


322         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1782. 

see  the  collectors  in  this  state  of  the  continental  taxes 
are,  in  general,  in  arrear  on  every  state  tax  granted 
since  1776,  and  to  my  full  satisfaction  are  applying  the 
monies  collected  on  the  continental  taxes  to  the  paying 
arrears  of  their  old  state  tax,  by  which  means  you  will 
be  postponed  to  all  the  state  dues,  and  be  defeated  of 
your  just  expectation,  unless  some  remedy  be  imme 
diately  applied/' 


From  Abraham  Clark  to  Joseph  Cooper, 

Philadelphia,  September  16th,  1782. 

SIR, — The  legislature  of  Pennsylvania  have  ap 
pointed  Judge  Bryan,  Mr.  Bingham,  and  Mr.  Gray, 
Commissioners  for  dividing  the  islands  and  settling  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  river  Delaware,  but  have  not  com 
pleted  their  instructions  which  are  now  under  conside 
ration.  As  our  legislature  will  meet  this  week,  they 
will,  k  is  presumed,  instruct  their  commissioners ;  which 
appears  necessary,  as  their  appointment  does  not  appear 
to  convey  any  power  more  than  obtaining  information 
and  reporting  the  same ;  this  may  also  be  necessary  to 
undergo  a  revision.  The  business  may  be  easily  ac 
complished  if  two  matters  can  be  agreed  to.  One  is 
a  reciprocal  jurisdiction  on  the  navigable  part  of  the 
Delaware ;  this  I  mentioned  to  you  as  in  my  opinion 
necessary,  since  which  I  am  told  the  same  sentiments 
prevail  here.  This  is  intended  to  grant  jurisdiction 
to  each  state  over  vessels  belonging  to  the  same,  and 


1782.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  323 

over  persons  going  therefrom  to  the  other,  while  on  the 
river.  The  other  matter  is  the  island  opposite  to  Phil 
adelphia,  which  I  believe  will  be  strongly  insisted  upon 
to  belong  to  them,  and  I  can  see  no  reason  for  rejecting 
their  claim,  as  it  is  of  importance  to  them  and  none  to 
us,  unless  we  should  wish  to  have  it  purely  to  injure 
Pennsylvania,  without  any  advantage  resulting  to  New 
Jersey.  In  this  settlement  I  consider  the  island  as  be 
longing  to  no  state,  and  the  convenience  of  both  must 
be  attended  to.  No  difficulty,  I  believe,  will  attend  the 
division  of  the  other  islands;  and  I  suppose  some 
equivalent  might  be  obtained  for  the  island  above  allu 
ded  to. 

These  matters  I  mention  to  you  to  obtain  instructions 
thereon  from  the  legislature  when  they  meet,  as  other 
wise  we  should  be  at  a  loss  how  to  conduct. 

I  hope  you  will  communicate  this  to  Dr.  Henderson, 
and  consult  him  previous  to  any  communication  to  the 
legislature. 

I  must  inform  you  that  what  I  have  said  respecting 
the  desires  or  intentions  of  Pennsylvania,  I  have  not 
learned  from  the  commissioners,  but  from  other  gentle 
men  who  have  conversed  with  me  upon  the  subject, 
but  who,  I  believe,  delivered  the  sentiments  of  the 
commissioners. 

Delaware  had  instructed  their  delegates  respecting 
the  islands  and  jurisdiction  of  the  Delaware,  which 
upon  examination  do  not  appear  to  convey  powers  ne 
cessary  for  effecting  anything.  The  proceedings  of  our 
legislature  I  have  communicated  to  Governor  Dickinson 


324        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1782. 

who  promised  to  lay  the  same  before  the  legislature  of 
Delaware  at  their  meeting  this  fall. 
I  am,  sir,  your  humble  servant, 

ABRA.  CLARK. 
JOSEPH  COOPER,  Esq. 


From  Abraham  Clark  to  the  Speaker  of  the  Assembly. 

Philadelphia,  September  26th,  1782. 

SIR, — I  find  myself  obliged  to  mention  to  your  hon 
orable  House,  my  concern  for  the  present  state  of  the 
old  emissions  of  paper  money,  as  the  public  in  general, 
and  New  Jersey  in  particular,  may  be  greatly  affected 
by  it.  This  money  I  have  reason  to  believe  hath  been 
purchased  by  foreigners  as  a  matter  of  speculation,  and 
may  one  day  be  demanded  of  us  by  the  nations  to 
which  they  belong,  to  redeem  as  good,  upon  the  suppo 
sition  it  was  received  as  such,  the  contrary  of  which 
cannot  perhaps  be  proved.  This  is  not  all ;  New 
Hampshire  some  how  or  other  collected  into  their  trea 
sury  five  millions  of  dollars  more  than  their  quota  to 
sink ;  Massachusetts  and  Rhode  Island  have  also  a  large 
surplusage  in  their  states  if  not  in  their  treasuries. 
They  request  that  we  receive  such  surplusage  crediting 
them  either  at  the  rate  of  forty  to  one  in  specie,  or  at  the 
rate  the  same  passed  when  received,  which  might  be  70 
or  75,  and  charge  such  sum  in  specie  at  that  rate  upon 
the  delinquent  states.  Nothing  of  this  kind,  though 
attempted,  hath  been  done  by  Congress,  perhaps  it 
never  may,  but  while  matters  rest  as  at  present,  a  gen- 


1782.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.         325 

eral  discontent  prevails  to  the  eastward,  so  far  as  to 
threaten  a  stoppage  of  taxes  on  that  account.  I  find 
by  the  treasury  books  that  New  Jersey  is  credited  for 
6,334,335  dollars,  paid  in  and  sunk  ;  exclusive  of  this 
were  6,196  dollars  counterfeit  sent  back  to  the  law 
officer ;  as  also  554|«§-  dollars,  noted  as  improper  money 
to  be  sent  back.  Thus  much  I  thought  proper  to 
inform  of,  that  the  legislature  may  know  how  much  of 
the  quota  of  our  state  remains  unsunk,  in  order  that 
such  further  measures  may  be  pursued  as  the  interest 
and  circumstances  of  the  state  may  require. 

I  wished  to  have  it  in  my  power  to  transmit  the 
exact  state  of  the  public  debts  already  funded,  but  as 
the  accounts  now  making  out  are  not  yet  completed,  I 
can  say  no  more  on  that  subject  than  that  the  domestic 
loans  are  completed  at  something  upwards  of  twelve 
millions  of  specie ;  the  foreign  loans  computed  at 
twenty-eight  millions  of  livres.  I  must  also  take  the 
liberty  of  mentioning  a  matter  which  greatly  embar 
rasses  Congress,  I  mean  that  relative  to  the  half-pay  of 
officers.  This  was  engaged  by  Congress  previous  to 
the  final  ratification  of  the  confederation,  but  not 
agreed  to  by  the  number  of  states,  as  became  necessary 
for  such  a  measure  after  that  event  took  place.  The 
New  England  states  positively  refuse  a  compliance. 
The  delegates  of  New  Jersey  are  also  restrained  by 
the  sense  of  legislature  long  since  expressed.  Five 
states  are  sufficient  to  prevent  any  appropriations  of 
money  for  that  purpose,  which  requires  the  concurrence 
of  nine  states.  In  this  affair  the  disagreeing  states  do 


326         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1782. 

do  not  mean  to  commit  such  a  breach  of  public  faith 
as  to  deprive  the  officers  of  their  just  dues  ;  all  desired 
is,  that  the  officers  may  be  referred  to  their  respective 
states  to  receive  their  pay,  or  such  other  compensation 
as  the  ^legislature  may  judge  proper,  without  making 
the  same  a  continental  charge. 

Each  state  taking  upon  themselves  the  satisfying  their 
own  officers,  this  will  be  just  in  many  respects,  and  I 
believe  will  give  satisfaction  to  the  officers,  for  it  cannot 
be  supposed  the  legislatures  will  refuse  justice  to  their 
own  citizens  ;  and  by  this  measure  they  can  secure 
the  application  of  their  own  money.  States  which 
have  been  multiplying  their  officers  and  send  little  or 
no  money  into  the  public  treasury,  wishing  to  draw 
pensions  for  their  citizens  from  the  other  states,  will  of 
course  be  opposed  to  this  measure.  This  subject  I 
hope  will  be  duly  considered  by  the  legislature,  and 
their  opinion  therein  communicated  to  their  delegates. 

The  representation  of  the  legislature  brought  by  Col. 
Ellis  was  presented  this  morning,  and  referred  to  the 
superintendent  of  finance,  who  I  have  requested  to 
consider  and  report  thereon  as  soon  as  possible. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  your  obedient,  humble 
servant, 

ABRA.  CLARK. 
Hon'ble  JOHN  MEHELM,  Esq.,  Speaker  of  the  Assembly. 


1782.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  327 

From  Dr.  Franklin  to  Robert  Morris. 

Passy,  Dec.  14th,  1782. 

SIR, — I  received  duly  your  several  letters  of  Sept. 
25th,  27th?  28th,  and  30th,  October  1st,  5th,  7th,  all  by 
Capt.  Barney,  and  Oct.  27th  since.  I  immediately  made 
the  application  so  strongly  pressed  by  the  Congress  for 
a  loan  of  four  millions  dollars.  I  annexed  to  my 
memoir  the  resolves  of  Congress,  with  copies  and 
extracts  of  your  several  letters  and  those  of  Mr.  Liv 
ingston  upon  the  subject,  all  of  which  appeared  to  me 
extremely  well  written  for  enforcing  the  request.  I  was 
at  first  told  that  it  would  be  a  difficult  thing  to  furnish 
such  a  sum  at  present,  but  it  should  be  considered.  It 
was  much  wondered  that  no  letters  were  brought  by 
the  Washington  for  M.  le  Comte  de  Virgennes,  as 
several  were  come  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  M.  de 
Segur,  and  to  the  Marquis  de  Castries,  Secretary  of 
the  Marine  ;  and  the  next  time  I  waited  on  the  minister 
I  was  told  that  nothing  could  be  done  till  the  dis 
patches  from  M.  de  la  Luzerne  were  received.  I 
enquired  of  Capt.  Barney,  who  told  me  he  believed  M. 
de  Forest  had  them,  who  left  him  to  go  for  Paris  by 
way  of  Nantes.  M.  de  Forest  was  a  week  or  ten  days 
before  he  arrived  at  Paris,  and  he  had  not  the  dis 
patches.  After  a  fortnight  had  thus  passed,  I  sent  Capt. 
Barney  down  to  search  for  them  in  his  ship ;  he  there 
found  them,  and  in  about  eight  days  more  they  arrived 
and  were  delivered.  I  have  since  continually  pressed 
for  a  favorable  answer.  The  Marquis  de  la  Fayette 


328         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1782. 

has  likewise  been  importunate,  but  we  could  only  learn 
that  there  was  yet  no  decision.  The  negotiations  for 
peace  were  going  on,  and  I  ascribed  the  delay  partly  to 
the  uncertainty  of  the  event,  which  might  make  a  less 
sum  sufficient  if  it  succeeded,  or  a  greater  necessary  if 
the  war  was  still  to  be  continued.  I  believe,  too,  that 
the  new  loan  meditated  for  this  government,  but  not 
ascertained,  might  occasion  some  suspension.  But 
whatever  are  the  causes,  the  fact  is,  that  though  I  un 
derstand  we  are  to  be  aided,  I  am  still  ignorant  what 
the  quantum  will  be  or  when  it  can  be  obtained.  I 
have  detained  Capt.  Barney,  hoping  that  he  might 
carry  a  part  of  it,  but  seeing  that  so  very  uncertain,  the 
commissioners  for  the  treaty  here  urge  me  to  send  him 
away  with  the  preliminary  articles,  and  take  some  other 
opportunity  of  sending  money  when  we  get  it.  Per 
haps  we  can  make  use  of  the  Alliance,  which  is  now 
out  upon  a  cruize. 

Of  the  amount  of  Mr.  Adams'  loan  in  Holland,  I 
have  no  certain  account.  He  thinks  it  may  be  between 
15  and  1,700,000  florins.  Mr.  Grand  has  obtained  a 
part  of  it  to  pay  the  interest  of  the  Dutch  loan,  which 
is  done.  But  he  will  acquaint  you  better  the  state  of 
his  funds  than  I  can  do.  He  tells  me  he  will  restate 
his  accounts  as  you  desire. 

The  shipping  of  the  stores  from  Brest  is  wholly  in 
the  hands  of  Mr.  Barclay.  He  will  likewise  take  care 
of  those  which  are  unloaded  out  of  the  three  transports 
at  Rochefort  that  were  to  have  gone  with  convoy  in 
May  last,  and  have  ever  since  been  detained  there  un- 


1782.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.          329 

accountably,  which  I  did  not  know  till  lately.  The 
four  Jamaica  ships  brought  in  by  the  Alliance  will  fur 
nish  him  with  money  for  paying  charges. 

The  accounts  of  goods  bought  to  replace  the  Fay- 
ette's  cargo  having  been  sent  you  by  several  opportuni 
ties,  I  hope  you  have  them  before  this  time. 

I  am  extremely  glad  to  be  freed  from  your  money 
accounts,  and  the  payment  of  bills.  And  I  hope  this 
will  be  the  last  application  I  shall  be  charged  with  to 
borrow.  In  a  former  letter  I  requested  you  to  be  my 
attorney,  to  receive  and  remit  my  salary,  which  I  now 
repeat.  The  friends  of  the  Due  de  Lauzun,  who  is  an 
officer  in  the  French  army,  having  occasion  to  send  him 
some  money,  requested  me  to  furnish  bills.  To  oblige 
them  I  gave  a  draft  on  you  for  six  thousand  livres, 
which  I  request  you  will  honor,  and  deduct  the  same 
out  of  my  salary.  Methinks  Mr.  Grand  should  have 
some  general  order  to  defray  the  contingent  expenses  of 
your  ministers.  I  am  concerned  that  the  resolution  of 
appointing  some  person  to  settle  all  our  accounts  in 
Europe  has  not  yet  been  carried  into  execution.  They 
certainly  cannot  so  well  be  settled  in  America,  and  I 
shall  think  it  hard  after  I  am  out  of  place  to  be  detained 
here  on  that  account  for  years  like  poor  unhappy  Deane, 
who,  by  the  way,  is  I  think  in  that  respect  hardly  dealt 
with.  Settlement  of  accounts  and  payment  of  just 
balances  is  due  even  between  enemies. 

I  know  not  where  the  Virginia  stores  lie  ;  I  will 
enquire  and  acquaint  Mr.  Barclay  with  your  resolution 
concerning  them,  which  I  think  very  prudent.  Penet, 


330       CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY          [1783. 

who  was  employed  by  that  state  as  an  agent  to  borrow 
money  here,  is  broke  and  absconded.  His  creditors  are 
all  worrying  me  with  their  complaints,  who  have 
nothing  to  do  with  his  affairs.  I  have  long  since  men 
tioned  the  inconvenience  of  the  attempts  of  separate 
states  to  borrow  money  in  Europe.  They  have  hurt 
our  credit  and  produced  nothing.  We  have  put  faith 
in  every  adventurer  who  pretended  to  have  influence 
here,  and  who  when  he  arrived  had  none  but  what 
our  appointment  gave  him.  I  congratulate  on  the 
tokens  of  approaching  peace.  I  wish  nothing  may 
happen  to  prevent  it. 

With  sincere  and  great  esteem  I  am,  sir,  your  most 
obedient  and  most  humble  servant, 

B.  FRANKLIN. 
Hon'ble  ROBT.  MORRIS,  Esq. 


From  Robert  R.  Livingston  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Philadelphia,  March  18th,  1783. 

SIR, — Congress  a  few  days  since  directed  me  to 
transmit  to  your  Excellency  a  copy  of  the  provisional 
treaty  of  peace  between  the  United  States  and  Great 
Britain.  I  should  done  it  at  an  earlier  day  without  any 
particular  direction,  had  not  an  order  passed  in  Con 
gress  for  furnishing  the  Delegates  of  each  state  with  a 
copy,  that  it  might  be  transmitted  through  them.  ID 
conformity  to  the  second  direction,  I  have  the  honor  to 
enclose  a  copy,  though  I  have  no  doubt  that  I  have 
been  already  anticipated  by  that  forwarded  by  the  del- 


1783.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  331 

egates  of  your  state.  Yet,  sir,  this  letter  may  not  be 
entirely  useless  when  it  assures  you  that  the  conclusion 
of  the  treaty  is  very  uncertain.  My  public  letters  are 
of  such  a  nature  as  not  to  free  me  from  apprehensions 
that  Britain  still  seeks  rather  to  divide  her  enemies 
than  to  be  reconciled  to  them,  though  this  suspicion 
may  not  perhaps  be  well  founded,  yet  such  conduct  is 
so  conformable  to  the  general  tenor  of  British  councils, 
to  the  character  of  the  king  and  his  first  minister,  that 
it  is  at  least  the  part  of  prudence  to  be  upon  our  guard 
against  it. 

But  whatever  their  intentions  may  be,  the  peace  must 
still  depend  upon  so  many  contingencies  that  no  prepa- 
pation  for  another  campaign  should  be  omitted  on  our 
part,  none  is  neglected  by  our  antagonist.  They  have 
voted  one  hundred  and  ten  thousand  seamen  for  the 
ensuing  year.  France  continues  her  preparations,  and 
will  not  close  the  war  till  she  can  obtain  honorable 
terms  for  her  allies.  But  little  progress  was  made  in 
their  negotiations  when  my  letters  were  written. 

Count  de  Vergennes  has  thought  it  prudent  to  advise 
Congress  of  this  circumstance,  that  they  might  be  pre 
pared  for  every  event.  I  communicate  it  to  your  Ex 
cellency  with  similar  views.  I  doubt  not  you  will 
avail  yourself  of  this  information  to  urge  the  state  in 
which  you  preside,  to  take  such  measures  that  they  may 
not  be  found  unprovided  in  case  our  hopes  of  peace 
should  be  frustrated. 

It  would  give  me  pleasure  to  learn  the  measures  that 
have  been  adopted,  in  consequence  of  the  requisition 


332         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1783. 

made  in  my  letters  to  your  Excellency,  or  your  prede 
cessors  in  office  at  different  periods,  relative  to  my  de 
partment,  and  more  particularly  to  receive  the  accounts 
so  frequently  called  for  of  the  damage  done  by  the 
enemy  in  your  state.  I  have  reason  to  think  had  it 
been  furnished  in  time,  it  might  have  been  of  singular 
use  to  our  ministers,  and  perhaps  have  tended  to  obtain 
some  relief  for  the  sufferers.  It  may  not  yet  come  too 
late  to  be  useful,  let  me  pray  your  Excellency  to  take 
measures  for  furnishing  three  authentic  copies  by  the 
earliest  opportunity. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  your  Ex 
cellency's  most  obed't  humble  servant, 

ROBT.  R.  LIVINGSTON. 
His  Excellency,  WM.  LIVINGSTON. 


From  Robert  Morris  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Office  of  Finance,  June  5th,  1783. 

SIR, — Congress  having  directed  a  very  considerable 
part  of  the  army  to  be  sent  home  on  furlough,  I  am 
pressed  exceedingly  to  make  a  payment  of  three  months' 
wages,  and  I  am  very  desirous  to  accomplish  it ;  but  the 
want  of  money  compels  me  to  an  anticipation  on  the 
taxes  by  making  this  payment  in  notes.  To  render  this 
mode  tolerably  just  or  useful,  the  notes  must  be  punc 
tually  discharged  when  they  fall  due,  and  my  depend- 
ance  must  be  on  the  money  to  be  received  of  the  several 
states  on  the  requisitions  for  the  last  and  present  year. 
I  hope  the  urgency  of  the  case  will  produce  the  desired 


1783.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.         333 

exertions,  and  finally  enable  me  to  preserve  the  credit 
and  honor  of  the  federal  government. 

I  have  the  honor  to  remain  your  Excellency's  most 
obedient  and  very  humble  servant, 

ROBT  MORRIS. 
His  Excellency,  the  Governor  of  New  Jersey. 

From  General  Washington  to  the  President  of 
Congress. 

Head-Quarters,  June  7th,  1783. 

SIR, — I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  to  your  Excel 
lency  the  copy  of  an  address  to  me  from  the  Generals 
and  officers  commanding  regiments  and  corps,  together 
with  my  answer  to  them.  These  enclosures  will  ex 
plain  the  distresses  which  resulted  from  the  measures 
now  carrying  into  execution.,  in  consequence  of  the 
resolutions  of  Congress  of  the  26th  of  May ;  but  the 
sensibility  occasioned  by  a  parting  scene  under  such 
peculiar  circumstances  wrill  not  admit  of  description. 

The  two  subjects  of  complaint  with  the  army,  ap 
pear  to  be  the  delay  of  the  three  months'  pay,  which 
had  been  expected,  and  the  want  of  a  settlement  of  ac 
counts.  I  have  thought  myself  authorized  to  assure 
them  Congress  had  and  would  attend  to  their  grievan 
ces,  and  have  made  some  little  variation  respecting  fur 
loughs  from  what  was  at  first  proposed.  The  Secretary 
at  War  will  be  able  to  explain  the  reason  and  propriety 
of  this  alteration. 

While  I  consider  it  a  tribute  of  justice  on  this  occa- 


334       CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1783. 

sion  to  mention  the  temperate  and  orderly  behavior  of 
the  whole  army,  and  particularly  the  accommodating 
spirit  of  the  officers,  in  arranging  themselves  to  the  com 
mand  of  the  battalions  which  will  be  composed  of  the 
three  years  men,  permit  me  to  recall  to  mind  all  the 
former  sufferings  and  merits,  and  to  recommend  the 
reasonable  requests  to  the  early  and  favourable  notice 
of  Congress. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  highest  respect,  your 
obed't  servant, 

G°  WASHINGTON. 
His  Excellency,  the  President  of  Congress. 

General   W.  Heath,  in  behalf  of  the  Generals,  8pc.,  to 
General  Washington — enclosed  in  the  foregoing. 

SIR, — It  is  difficult  for  me  to  express  the  regret  we 
feel  at  being  obliged  again  to  solicit  your  Excellency's 
attention  and  patronage.  Next  to  the  anguish  which 
the  prospect  of  our  own  wretchedness  excites  in  our 
breasts,  is  the  pain  which  arises  from  a  knowledge  of 
your  anxiety  on  account  of  those  men  who  have  been 
the  sharers  of  your  fortunes,  and  have  had  the  honor  of 
being  your  companions  through  the  various  vicissitudes 
of  the  war,  Nothing  therefore  but  necessity  could  in 
duce  us  to  a  representation  which  we  know  must  give 
you  concern. 

Your  Excellency  has  so  intimate  a  knowledge  of  the 
condition  of  the  army  as  to  render  a  particular  delinea 
tion  unnecessary.  As  you  have  been  a  witness  of  our 


1783.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  335 

sufferings  during  a  war  uncommon  in  its  nature  and 
unparalleled  in  many  circumstances  attending  it,  so  you 
are  now,  sir,  no  less  a  witness  of  the  unequal  burthen 
which  has  fallen  upon  us  from  the  want  of  that  provis 
ion  to  which,  from  our  assiduous  and  unremitting  servi 
ces,  we  conceive  we  are  entitled.  Having  recently 
expressed  our  sense  of  what  was  due  to  our  distress  ; 
having  repeated,  from  your  Excellency,  the  confidence 
we  had  that  our  accounts  would  be  liquidated,  the  bal 
ances  ascertained,  and  adequate  funds  provided  for 
payment  previous  to  our  being  dispersed  or  disbanded  ; 
having  seen  with  pleasure  the  approbation  which  Con 
gress  gave  of  our  reliance,  it  is  with  a  mixture  of  as 
tonishment  and  chagrin  that  we  view  the  late  resolve 
of  Congress,  by  which  the  soldiers  for  the  war,  and  a 
proportionate  number  of  officers  are  to  be  furloughed, 
without  any  one  of  those  important  objects  being  ac 
complished  :— and  to  complete  the  scene  of  woe,  are  to 
be  compelled  to  leave  the  army  without  the  means  of 
defraying  the  debts  we  hare  necessarily  incurred  in  the 
course  of  service,  or  even  of  gratifying  those  menials  in 
the  pittance  which  is  their  due,  much  less  to  carry  with 
us  that  support  and  comfort  to  our  families  of  which 
from  our  long  military  services  they  have  been  deprived. 
No  less  exposed  then  to  the  insults  of  the  meanest 
followers  of  the  army,  than  to  the  arrests  of  the  sheriff, 
deprived  of  the  ability  to  assist  our  families,  and  with 
out  an  evidence  that  anything  is  due  to  us,  for  our 
services,  and  consequently  without  the  least  prospect  of 
obtaining  credit  for  even  a  temporary  subsistence  until 


336        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1783. 

we  can  get  into  business.  To  what  quarter  can  we 
look  t  We  take  the  liberty  to  say,  sir,  only  to  your 
Excellency ;  and  from  the  sincerity  of  our  hearts,  we 
do  it  no  less  from  a  persuasion  of  the  efficiency  of  vour 
farther  efforts  in  our  favor,  than  from  the  kind  assu 
rance  you  have  been  pleased  to  give  us  of  your  sup 
port. 

To  your  Excellency,  then,  we  make  our  appeal,  and 
in  the  most  solemn   manner,   from   that  abhorrence  of 
oppression    and   injustice   which  first  unsheathed  our 
swords  ;  from  the  remembrance  of  the  common  dangers 
through  which  we  have  passed,  and  from  the  recollec- 
lection  of  those  astonishing  events  which  have   been 
effected  by  our  united  efforts;  permit  us  to  solicit  your 
further  aid,  and  to  entreat    that  the  order  of  the  2d 
instant,  founded  on  the  act  of  Congress  of  the  26th  of 
May  last,  may  be  suspended  or  varied  in  its  operations, 
so  far  as  that  no  officer  or  soldier  be  obliged  to  receive 
a  furlough,  until  that  honorable  body  can  be  apprized  of 
the  wretched  situation  into  which  the  army  must  be 
plunged  by  a  conformity  to  it ; — that  your  Excellency 
will  endeavor  to  prevail  on  Congress — nay  that  on  the 
principles  of  common  justice  you  will  insist,  that  neither 
officer  nor  soldier  be  compelled  to  leave  the  field  until  a 
liquidation  of  accounts  can  be  effected,  till  the  balances 
are  ascertained,  certificates  for  the  sums  due  given, — in 
cluding  the  commutation  of  half  pay  to  the  officers,  and 
the  gratuity  of  eighty  dollars  to  the  soldiers,  and  till  a 
supply  of  money  can  be  furnished  sufficient  to  carry  us 
from  the  field  of  glory  with  honor  to  ourselves,  and 


1783.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.          337 

credit  to  our  country.  We  still  wish  to  believe  that 
that  country  to  which  we  have  been  so  long  devoted, 
will  never  look  with  indifference  on  the  distresses  of 
those  of  her  sons  who  have  so  essentially  contributed 
to  the  establishment  of  freedom,  the  security  of  pro 
perty,  and  the  rearing  of  an  empire. 

In  the  name  and  behalf  of  the  generals  and  officers 
commanding  regiments  and  corps  in  the  cantonment  of 
Hudson  River, 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  your  Excellency's  most  obe 
dient  and  humble  servant, 

W.  HEATH,  Major  General. 

His  Excellency,  Gen.  WASHINGTON. 


From  General  Washington  to  General  Heath,  en 
closed  in  the  foregoing  Letter  to  the  President  of 
Congress. 

Head-Quarters,  June  6th,  1782. 

SIR, — Before  I  make  a  reply  to  the  subject  of  the 
address  of  the  generals  and  officers  commanding  the 
regiments  and  corps  of  the  army  presented  by  yourself 
yesterday,  I  entreat  that  those  gentlemen  will  accept 
my  warmest  acknowledgements  for  the  confidence  they 
have  been  pleased  to  repose  in  me.  They  may  rest 
assured  it  shall  never  be  abused,  and  I  beg  they  will  be 
persuaded  that  as  no  man  can  possibly  be  better  ac 
quainted  than  I  am  with  the  past  merits  and  services  of 
the  army,  so  no  one  can  possibly  be  more  strongly  im 
pressed  with  their  present  ineligible  situation,  feel  a 

22 


338         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW   JERSEY       [1783' 

keener  sensibility  at  their  distresses,  or  more  ardently 
desire  to  alleviate  or  remove  them.  But  it  would  be 
unnecessary  "perhaps  to  enter  into  a  detail  of  what  I 
have  done,  and  what  I  am  still  attempting  to  do  in  order 
to  assist  in  the  accomplishment  of  this  interesting  pur 
pose.  Let  it  be  sufficient  to  observe,  I  do  not  yet 
despair  of  success,  for  I  am  perfectly  convinced  the 
states  cannot,  without  involving  themselves  in  national 
bankruptcy  and  ruin,  refuse  to  comply  with  the  requisi- 
sitions  of  Congress,  who,  it  must  be  acknowledged,  have 
done  everything  in  their  power  to  obtain  ample  and 
compleat  justice  for  the  army,  and  whose  great  object  in 
the  present  measure  undoubtedly  was  by  a  reduction 
of  expenses,  to  enable  the  financier  to  make  three 
months'  payment  to  the  army,  which,  on  all  hands,  has 
been  agreed  to  be  absolutely  and  indispensably  neces 
sary.  To  explain  this  matter  I  beg  leave  to  insert  an 
extract  of  a  letter  from  the  Superintendent  of  Finance, 
dated  the  29th  ultimo. 

"  It  is  now  above  a  month  since  the  committee  con 
ferred  with  me  on  that  subject,  and  I  then  told  them  no 
payment  could  be  made  to  the  army,  but  by  means  of 
a  paper  anticipation,  and  unless  our  expenditures  were 
immediately  and  considerable  reduced,  even  that  could 
not  be  done.  Our  expenditures  have  nevertheless  been 
continued,  and  our  revenues  lessen,  the  states  grow 
ing  daily  more  and  more  remiss  in  their  collections ;  the 
consequence  is,  that  I  cannot  make  payment  in  the 
manner  first  intended,  the  notes  issued  for  this  purpose 
would  have  been  payable  at  two,  four,  and  six  months 


1783.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  339 

from  the  dates,  but  at  present  they  will  be  at  six  months, 
and  even  that  will  soon  become  impracticable,  unless 
our  expenses  are  immediately  curtailed.  I  shall  cause 
such  notes  to  be  issued  for  three  months'  pay  to  the 
army,  and  I  must  entreat,  sir,  that  every  influence  be 
used  with  the  states  to  absorb  them,  together  with  my 
other  engagements,  by  taxation." 

Three  days  ago  a  messenger  was  despatched  to  me 
to  urge  the  necessity  of  forwarding  these  notes  with 
the  greatest  possible  expedition.  Under  this  state  of 
circumstances  I  need  scarcely  add,  the  expenses  of 
every  day  feeding  the  army  will  increase  very  consid- 
rably  the  inability  of  the  public  to  discharge  the  debts 
already  incurred,  at  least  for  a  considerable  time  to 
come. 

Although  the  officers  of  the  army  very  well  know  my 
official  situation  ;  that  I  am  only  a  servant  of  the  pub 
lic,  and  that  it  is  not  for  me  to  dispense  with  orders 
which  it  is  my  duty  to  carry  into  execution ;  yet  as 
furloughs  in  all  services  are  considered  as  a  matter  of 
indulgence  and  not  of  compulsion;  as  Congress,  I  am 
persuaded,  entertain  the  best  disposition  toward  the 
army,  and  as  I  apprehend  in  a  very  short  time  the  two 
principal  articles  of  complaint  will  be  removed, — until 
the  further  pleasure  of  Congress  can  be  known  I  shall 
not  hesitate  to  comply  with  the  wishes  of  the  army, — 
under  these  reservations  only,  that  officers  sufficient  to 
conduct  the  men  who  choose  to  receive  furloughs  will 
attend  them  either  on  furlough  or  by  detachment.  The 
propriety  and  necessity  of  this  measure  must  be  obvious 


340        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1783. 

to  all ;  it  need  not  therefore  be  enforced.  And  with 
regard  to  the  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates, 
such  as  from  a  peculiarity  of  circumstances  wish  not  to 
receive  furloughs  at  this  time,  will  give  in  their  names 
by  12  o'clock  to-morrow  to  the  commanding  officers  of 
their  regiment,  that,  on  a  report  to  the  adjutant-general, 
an  equal  number  of  men  engaged  for  three  years  may 
be  furloughed,  which  will  make  the  saving  of  expenses 
exactly  the  same  to  the  public. 

I  cannot  but  hope  the  notes  will  soon  arrive  ;  and 
that  the  settlement  of  accounts  may  be  compleated  by 
the  assistance  of  the  paymasters  in  a  very  few  days. 
In  the  meantime  I  shall  have  the  honor  of  laying  the 
sentiments  of  the  generals  and  officers  commanding 
regiments  and  corps  before  Congress.  They  are  ex 
pressed  in  such  a  decent,  candid  and  affecting  manner, 
that  I  am  certain  every  mark  of  attention  will  be  paid 
to  them. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  your  obed't  serv't, 

G°  WASHINGTON. 
Major-General  HEATH. 


From  Robert  Morris  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Office  of  Finance,  July  llth,  1783. 

SIR, — I  do  myself  the  honor  to  inclose  to  your  Ex 
cellency  a  state  of  the  public  accounts,  balanced  on  the 
last  day  of  June,  1783.  A  view  of  these  accounts  will 
render  it  unnecessary  to  make  many  observations. 

On  the  states  I  am  to  rely  for  payment  of  the  antici- 


1783.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  341 

pations,  amounting,  as  you  will  see,  to  more  than  a 
million.  And  you  will  observe  that  this  great  anticipa 
tion  has  been  made  for  that  service  which  all  affect  to 
have  so  much  at  heart — a  payment  to  the  American 
army.  If  they  had  received  no  pay  daring  the  year 
1783,  I  might  have  perhaps  have  been  spared  the  neces 
sity  of  this  application,  because  it  is  probable  that  the 
taxes,  even  as  they  are  now  collected,  might  have  ab 
sorbed  such  anticipations  as  I  should  then  have  been 
obliged  to  make. 

Much  pains  have  been  taken  to  inculcate  the  idea 
that  we  ha  ye  funds  in  Europe;  those  funds  which  we 
had  there  are  exhausted,  and  the  general  apprehension 
that  no  proper  funds  here  will  be  provided  has  cut  off 
all  hopes  from  that  quarter. 

The  question  has  frequently  and  industriously  been 
asked,  what  becomes  of  the  monies  which  are  paid  in 
taxes  1  I  have  furnished  the  means  of  judging  as  to 
those  which  reach  the  public  treasury,  to  every  man 
employed  in  the  administration  of  government  in  the 
several  states,  for  my  acounts  have  been  regularly 
transmitted.  And  I  would  not  have  mentioned  the 
insinuation  had  it  not  been  for  the  purpose  of  observing 
that  it  is  incumbent  on  all  those  who  are  desirous  of 
forwarding  a  collection  of  taxes,  to  show  a  fair  appro 
priation,  and  not  suffer  groundless  clamors  to  disturb  the 
public  mind.  It  has  been  said  that  there  is  no  neces 
sity  of  urging  the  collection  of  taxes  now,  because  the 
notes  given  to  the  army  are  not  payable  in  less  than  six 
months.  This  again,  is  an  assertion,  whose  mischiev- 


342         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1783. 

ous  operation  is  levelled  at  the  very  vitals  of  our  credit. 
One  month  of  that  time  is  already  expired  with  res 
pect  to  all  those  notes  which  have  been  already  issued. 
They  are  not  the  only  notes  in  circulation.  Notes  are 
not  the  only  modes  of  anticipation,  which  have  been 
adopted  ;  and  it  is  a  serious  fact  that  unless  more  rig 
orous  measures  take  place,  the  credit  of  all  notes,  and 
of  everything  else,  must  be  destroyed.  But  this  is  not 
all.  Supposing,  a  moment,  that  the  notes  given  to  our 
army  were  the  only  object  whose  credit  was  to  be  at 
tended  to.  Can  any  reasonable  man  imagine  that  they 
could  be  of  any  use  if  the  payment  were  to  depend  on 
taxes  which  are  not  to  be  collected  until  the  notes  were 
due  ?  I  have  not  been  wanting  on  my  part  in  pointing 
out  from  time  to  time  the  mischiefs  which  must  ensue 
from  neglect.  The  applications  have  met  with  inat 
tention  which  personally  I  have  disregarded,  but  which 
I  could  not  but  feel  from  the  consequences  involved  in 
it.  Again,  in  compliance  with  the  duty  I  owe  to  the 
United  States,  I  call  for  that  aid  to  which  they  are 
entitled  to.  And  on  this  occasion  I  take  leave  to  ob 
serve  that  the  moment  is  very  fast  approaching  which 
is  to  determine  whether  America  is  entitled  to  the 
appellation  of  Just,  or  whether  those  who  have  con 
stantly  aspersed  her  character  are  to  be  believed. 

With  perfect   respect  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir, 
your  Excellency's  most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

ROBT  MORRIS. 
His  Excellency,  the  Governor  of  New  Jersey. 


1783.]    EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.     343 

From  Robert  Morris  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Office  of  Finance,  July  28th,  1783. 

SIR, — Having  already  transmitted  the  public  accounts 
from  the  commencement  of  my  administration  to  the 
first  day  of  this  month,  I  shall  not  trouble  yonr  Excel 
lency  with  a  repetition  of  them.  But  I  must  pray  your 
indulgence  while  I  make  a  few  observations.  Perhaps 
this  letter  may  contain  too  much  of  egotism,  but  your 
candor  will  excuse  me  when  the  motive  is  known.  If 
I  have  rendered  any  services  to  the  United  States  they 
have  been  derived  from  the  generous  confidence  of  my 
countrymen.  This  confidence  must  not  be  abused,  and 
if  it  be  lost  my  utility  is  at  an  end. 

The  accounts  will  shew  to  any  informed  and  reflect 
ing  mind  that  the  public  monies  were  economically 
applied,  and  if  farther  proof  were  necessary  I  could 
appeal  to  the  honorable  delegates  in  Congress,  who 
have  every  opportunity  of  investigation.  I  might  also 
appeal  to  the  clamors  against  me  for  opposing  claims  I 
could  not  properly  comply  with.  Long  have  I  been 
the  object  of  enmities  derived  from  that  origin.  I  have 
therefore  the  right  to  consider  such  clamors  and  such 
enmities  as  the  confession  and  the  evidence  of  my  care 
and  attention. 

But,  sir,  from  the  same  accounts,  it  will  appear  that 
on  the  thirtieth  day  of  June  last,  my  payments  had 
exceeded  the  amount  of  my  receipts  by  more  than  a 
million  of  dollars.  How  indeed  could  it  be  otherwise, 
when  all  the  taxes  brought  into  the  treasury  since  1781 


344       CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY         [1783* 

did  not  amount  to  seven  hundred  and  fifty  thousand 
dollars.  I  have  been  propelled  to  this  heavy  anticipa 
tion  by  an  earnest  desire  to  relieve  our  army  by  the 
General's  warm  representations  on  the  subject,  and, 
above  all,  by  the  directions  of  Congress  and  their  assu 
rances  of  support.  The  enclosed  letter  to  them  will 
shew  my  desire  to  reduce  our  expences.  But  while  I 
urge  the  reduction  of  expence,  it  is  equally  my  duty  to 
urge  an  increase  of  revenue.  If  I  have  been  a  faithful 
steward  of  what  was  entrusted  to  me,  if  more  became 
necessary  than  I  ever  received,  and  if  urged  by  that 
necessity  I  have  anticipated  the  receipts,  surely  I  am  in 
the  strictest  line  of  propriety  when  I  loudly  call  for 
relief.  Every  one  must  know  that  the  paper  I  have 
circulated  will  lose  its  value  unless  punctually  redeemed. 
The  several  receivers  are  indeed  instructed  to  exchange 
it.  But  what  can  that  instruction  avail  if  specie  be 
not  placed  in  their  hands  for  the  purpose  1  and  how 
can  that  be  effected  but  by  a  vigorous  collection  of 
taxes  ? 

I  know  that  my  solicitude  on  this  subject  will  be 
charged  to  improper  motives,  when  I  urge  a  reduction 
of  expenses,  it  will  be  said  that  I  wish  to  impair  the 
strength  and  lessen  the  respectability  of  our  country. 
Far  other  wishes  swell  my  bosom,  but  I  have  been 
driven  into  a  conviction  that  the  necessity  of  strength 
and  the  advantages  of  reputation  are  not  yet  sufficiently 
felt  and  understood  by  all  the  members  of  our  federal 
union. 

My  present  call  for  taxes  has  also  been  anticipated 


1783.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  345 

by  a  slanderous  report  that  I  have  speculated  on  this 
very  paper  which  I  urge  the  redemption  of.  Most 
solemnly  I  declare  that  I  have  been  never  concerned, 
directly  or  indirectly,  in  any  such  speculation.  If  there 
be  a  man  in  the  world  who  knows  any  instance  to  dis 
prove  what  I  say,  let  him  step  forth  with  the  accusation. 
No,  sir,  the  object  is  in  no  wise  a  personal  one  to  me,  I 
only  advocate  the  interest  and  reputation  of  America. 
If,  with  a  view  to  injure  me,  the  attempt  is  made  to 
violate  my  engagements,  the  malice  will  be  defeated  ; 
but  at  the  same  time  let  it  be  remembered  that  the 
country  which  will  not  support  faithful  servants  can 
never  be  faithfully  served.  Guilt  and  desperation  will 
ever  pant  for  scenes  of  tumult  and  disorder,  office  will 
ever  excite  envy,  and  malevolence  delight  in  slandering 
tales.  Is  it  then  to  be  wondered  at  that  my  foes  are 
numerous  ?  Believe  me,  sir,  if  their  attempts  had  only 
effected  me  and  mine  they  should  have  been  received 
in  the  same  silence  which  has  buried  many  other 
wrongs.  But  on  the  present  occasion  it  becomes  my 
duty  to  delineate  their  baneful  influence. 

Pains  are  taken  to  cover  with  infamy  all  those  who 
discount  the  public  paper.  The  natural  effect  of  this 
measure  is  to  prevent  those  men  from  meddling  with  it 
who,  from  a  regard  to  their  own  reputations,  would  do 
the  business  on  moderate  terms.  Hence  it  follows  that 
the  holders  cannot  obtain  so  much  for  their  paper  as  they 
otherwise  might.  Hence  again  an  additional  clamor, 
and  of  course  an  .additional  loss  to  the  possessors.  On 
the  basis  of  the  depreciation  is  founded  an  argument  to 


346         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1783. 

prevent  the  redemption.  By  these  means  the  public 
credit  is  totally  ruined,  and  the  government  becomes 
chargeable  with  flagrant  injustice.  No  future  anticipa 
tions  can  be  made  to  supply  the  most  urgent  wants,  and 
in  the  whole  proceeding  those  are  made  the  victims  who 
confided  in  the  faith  of  government. 

The  attempt  therefore,  by  this  slander,  to  injure  me  is 
an  injury  to  those  who  have  received  my  paper,  and  in 
every  instance  where  they  have  joined  in  propagating 
the  report  they  have  joined  their  enemies  to  plunder 
themselves.  Let  me  no  longer  intrude  on  your  Excel 
lency's  patience  than  to  declare  my  conviction  that  the 
states  might  easily  fulfil  far  more  extensive  engagements 
than  those  which  I  have  made  on  their  account.  Not 
withstanding  every  insinuation,  I  will  continue  my 
efforts  for  the  purpose,  and,  though  base  minds  should 
reiterate  their  charges,  I  will  persist  in  my  duty  and 
defy  their  malice. 

With  perfect  respect,  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  your 
Excellency's  most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

ROBT.  MORRIS. 
His  Excellency,  the  Governor  of  New  Jersey. 

From  Elias  Boudinot  to  the  Chairman  of  Joint  Meeting. 

Princeton,  October  29th,  1783. 

SIR, — My  time  in  the  chair  of  Congress  having  just 
expired,  and  the  seventh  year  of  my  expulsion  from  my 
house  and  estate  completed  (the  greater  part  of  which 
has  been  devoted  to  the  public  service)  whereby  my 


1783.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.         347 

private  affairs  are  become  totally  deranged,  shall  I 
beg  the  favour  of  you,  sir,  to  make  known  my  request  in 
the  most  respectful  manner,  to  the  honorable  the  Legis 
lature  of  this  state,  in  their  joint  meeting,  for  their  per 
mission  to  retire  to  private  life  ;  and  at  the  same  time  to 
assure  them  of  the  deep  sense  I  retain  of  the  honors  I 
have  received  from  them  by  the  repeated  trusts  reposed 
in  me.  My  highest  ambition  has  been  to  serve  my 
country  in  her  distress.  This  I  have  endeavoured  to  do 
to  the  utmost  of  my  power,  and  if  at  any  time  I  have 
failed  in  so  important  a  duty  for  want  of  abilities,  it  has 
been  made  up  by  the  most  unfeigned  integrity.  If 
those  services  have  been  acceptable  to  my  country,  I 
shall  receive  a  most  ample  reward. 

Suffer  me  in  the  most  respectful  manner  to  congrat 
ulate  you,  sir,  and  the  legislature,  on  the  accomplishment 
of  the  honorable  and  glorious  peace  with  which  my 
administration  has  been  honored.  I  mean  not  by  this 
request  to  embarass  public  measures,  but  as  peace  is  at 
least  so  firmly  established,  and  the  serving  our  country 
the  highest  honor  to  which  any  citizen  can  now  aspire, 
there  can  be  no  doubt  of  a  choice  of  candidates  to  fill 
so  distinguished  an  office. 

May  the  best  of  heaven's  blessings  descend  on  the 
legislature,  and  may  all  their  councils  be  directed  to  ac 
complish  the  true  interests  of  this  happy  republic  ;  and 
be  assured  that  in  whatever  situation  divine  Providence 
may  think  proper  to  place  me,  I  shall  never  cease  to 
pray  for  their  prosperity. 

I   have   the    honor   to   be,  with    great   respect  and 


348         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW   JERSEY        [1783. 

esteem,    your   most    obedient    and  very  humble   ser 
vant, 

ELIAS  BOUDINOT. 

Hon'ble  Chairman  of  the  Joint  Meeting  of  the  Legis 
lature. 


William  Livingston  to  the  Legislature. 

Trenton,  November  8th,  1783. 

GENTLEMEN, — I  am  very  sensibly  affected  with  the 
honor  conferred  on  me  by  the  representatives  of  the 
good  people  of  New  Jersey,  in  appointing  me  to  so 
eminent  and  important  an  office  as  that  of  Governor  of 
this  state.  The  favorable  opinion  which  they  are 
pleased  to  entertain  of  my  abilities,  and  the  great  con 
fidence  they  repose  in  my  integrity  by  such  appoint 
ment,  deserves  my  warmest  acknowledgments.  How 
much  soever  they  may  happen  to  find  themselves  mis 
taken  in  the  first,  I  assure  them  that  I  am  determined  to 
merit  the  latter ;  and  I  hope  by  the  more  diligent  appli 
cation  and  greater  industry  in  promoting  the  common 
weal,  in  some  measure  to  atone  for  the  defect  of  brighter 
talents  and  more  extensive  knowledge. 

WILL.  LIVINGSTON. 
Hon'ble  Legislature  of  New  Jersey. 


1783.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.         349 

From  the  President  of  Congress  to  Governor 
Livingston. 

Annapolis,  December  23d,  1783. 

SIR, — I  am  directed  by  Congress  to  inform  your  Ex 
cellency  "  that  the  safety,  honor  and  good  faith  of  the 
"  United  States  require  the  immediate  attendance  of 
"  your  delegates  in  Congress.  That  there  have  not 
"  been  during  the  sitting  of  Congress  at  this  place 
"  more  than  seven  states  represented,  viz.  Massachu- 
"  sets,  Rhode  Island,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  Mary- 
"  land,  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  and  most  of  these 
"  by  two  delegates  only,  and  that  the  ratification  of  the 
"  definitive  treaty  and  several  other  matters  of  great 
"  national  concern  are  now  pending  before  Congress 
'•  which  require  the  utmost  dispatch,  and  to  which 
"  the  assent  of  at  least  nine  states  is  necessary." 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  highest  respect,  your 
Excellency's  ob't  and  h'ble  serv't, 

THOMAS  MIFFLIN. 
His  Excellency,  the  Governor  of  New  Jersey. 


From  the  President  of  Congress  to  Governor 
Livingston. 

Annapolis,  December  24th,  1783. 

SIR, — I  had  the  honor  to  write  to  your  Excellency 
on  the  23d  November  informing  you  that  that  the  defi 
nitive  treaty  had  arrived,  and  that  the  last  article  of  it 


350       CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY          [1783. 

declares  that  it  should  be  ratified  and  exchanged  within 
six  months  from  the  signature. 

Yesterday  I  again  wrote  to  your  Excellency  by  order 
of  Congress  informing  you  that  only  seven  states  were 
represented  in  Congress,  viz.  Massachusetts,  Rhode 
Island,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  Maryland,  Virginia 
and  North  Carolina,  and  that  the  ratification  of  the 
definitive  treaty  and  several  other  matters  of  the  great 
est  consequence  were  delayed  by  a  want  of  a  represen 
tation  of  nine  states.  My  letter  of  yesterday  was 
forwarded  by  the  post,  but  as  Congress  are  strongly  im 
pressed  with  an  apprehension  that  the  time  mentioned 
in  the  definitive  treaty  will  elapse  before  a  representa 
tion  of  nine  states  can  be  obtained,  and  as  such  a  repre 
sentation  cannot  take  place  unless  New  Jersey  and 
Connecticut  send  on  their  delegates,  they  have  in 
structed  me  to  write  to  you  by  express,  and  to  urge  in 
the  strongest  terms  the  importance  of  an  immediate 
representation  in  Congress  from  the  state  of  New 
Jersey. 

Let  me,  therefore,  earnestly  entreat  your  Excellency 
to  use  your  influence  on  this  important  point,  that  the 
consequences  to  be  expected  from  the  want  of  an  im 
mediate  representation  of  nine  states  may  not  be 
imputable  to  your  state,  which  on  every  former  occa 
sion  has  exerted  herself  with  so  much  honor  and  repu 
tation. 

New  Hampshire  has  but  one  member  attending,  and 
there  is  no  probability  of  a  representation  of  that  state 
in  less  than  six  weeks. 


1784.]  EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.          351 

New  York  has  no  delegates  in  Congress  nor  can  it 
be  represented  in  many  weeks. 

South  Carolina  has  one  member  attending,  one  of 
the  delegates  from  that  state  is  in  ill-health  at  Philadel 
phia,  his  attendance  is  uncertain. 

By  letters  from  Georgia,  we  find  there  is  no  proba 
bility  of  a  representation  from  thence  this  winter. 
From  this  view  of  our  situation  your  Excellency  will 
observe  that  the  ratification  of  the  definitive  Treaty  in 
proper  time  depends  upon  the  immediate  exertions  of 
New  Jersey  and  Connecticut. 

I  should  be  glad  to  know  from  your  Excellency  by 
the  return  of  this  express  at  what  time  we  may  expect 
a  representation  from  your  state. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  highest  respect  and 
esteem,  your  Excellency's  ob'tand  h'ble  servant, 

THOMAS  MIFFLIN. 

His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 

N.  B. — Near  4  months  have  elapsed  since  the  defini 
tive  treaty  was  signed,  and  the  ratifications  are  to  be 
exchanged  in  Paris  within  six  months. 


From  Governor  Livingston  to  the  Legislature. 

Trenton,  Oct.  24,  1784. 

GENTLEMEN, — My  appointment  by  so  respectable  a 
body  as  the  representatives  of  this  state,  to  the  import 
ant  office  of  the  Chief  Magistrate  in  it,  deserves  my 
warmest  gratitude,  especially  as  the  repetition  of  it, 
after  the  experience  of  some  years  is  the  strongest  proof 


352        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1785. 

of  the  favorable  opinion  which  the  good  people  of  New 
Jersey  must  have  been  pleased  to  entertain  of  my  fidel 
ity  in  the  administration  of  the  government,  and  I  can 
assure  them  that  it  is  rather  the  honour  derived  from 
the  incontestible  testimony  of  their  favorable  sentiments 
concerning  me,  and  the  pleasure  I  take  in  serving  the 
public,  than  from  any  pecuniary  motives,  that  I  accept 
of  the  appointment.  Upon  this,  I  wish  them  to  be 
persuaded,  that  with  respect  to  integrity  and  diligence 
(however  they  may  happen  to  be  disappointed  as  to  my 
talents  or  abilities,)  they  will  not  be  deceived  in  their 
expectations. 

WILL.  LIVINGSTON. 

Hon'ble  the  Legislative  Conncil  and  Gen'l  Assembly  of 
the  State  of  New  Jersey  in  Joint  Meeting. 


From  the  Secretary  of  Congress  to  the  Governor. 

Office  of  the  Secretary  of  Congress,  ) 
August  24th,  1785.          \ 

SIR, — I  beg  leave  to  remind  your  Excellency  that  all 
the  calls  which  Congress  have  heretofore  made  on  the 
states  for  money  or  supplies  have  been  on  this  express 
condition,  that  the  sums  or  supplies  assessed  should  not 
be  considered  as  the  proportion  of  any  state,  but  that 
being  paid  or  furnished,  they  should  be  placed  to  their 
respective  credits,  bearing  an  interest  of  six  per  cent, 
per  annum,  until  the  quotas  should  be  finally  ascertained 
and  adjusted  by  the  Congress  of  the  United  States, 
agreeably  to  the  eighth  of  the  articles  of  the  confede- 


1785.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  353 

ration.  And  if  then  it  should  appear  that  any  state 
had  assessed  more  than  its  just  quota,  it  should  continue 
to  receive  interest  on  the  surplus,  and  if  less,  it  should 
be  charged  interest  on  the  deficiency  until  by  a  future 
tax,  such  deficiency  shall  be  justly  adjusted. 

From  the  progress  that  is  made  in  settling  the  ac~ 
counts  between  the  United  States  and  individual  states 
and  private  creditors  within  the  same,  and  the  measures 
taken  to  hasten  and  facilitate  the  progress  of  such 
settlement,  there  is  reason  to  hope,  that  this  great  work 
will  soon  be  completed.  And  as  almost  every  state 
seems  to  think  its  advances  have  exceeded  its  just  pro 
portion,  it  is  therefore  become  necessary  and  essential 
to  the  harmony  of  the  Union  that  Congress  should  be 
furnished  with  the  means  of  settling  the  proportion  to 
be  borne  by  each  state,  as  well  as  of  the  general  ex 
penses  of  the  war,  and  the  requisitions  made  since  the 
conclusion  thereof,  as  the  sums  which  may  from  time  to 
time  be  requisite  for  the  common  defence  and  general 
welfare.  To  this  end  I  beg  leave  to  call  your  attention 
to  sundry  acts  of  Congress  on  this  subject,  which  you 
will  find  enclosed,  viz  :  One  passed  the  20th  of  Febru 
ary,  1782,  which  is  founded  on  this  consideration,  that 
the  states  having  been  variously  affected  by  the  war, 
the  rule  of  confederation  strictly  adhered  to  might  not 
produce  that  equal  justice  which  is  desirable  in  this 
important  object.  One  of  the  17th  February,  1783, 
which  calls  for  a  return  of  the  quantity  of  land  in  each 
state,  granted  to  or  surveyed  for  any  person,  the  number 
of  buildings  thereon,  distinguishing  dwelling  houses 
23 


354         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1785. 

from  other  buildings,  and  the  number  of  inhabitants, 
distinguishing  white  from  black :  and  one  of  the  18th 
April,  1783,  recommending  an  alteration  of  the  eighth 
of  the  articles  of  Confederation  and  perpetual  union, 
and  the  adoption  of  a  new  rule  of  ascertaining  the 
quotas  of  the  states.  This  is  comprehended  in  the  act, 
and  is  a  part  of  the  plan  at  that  time  recommended  to 
the  states  for  restoring  and  supporting  public  credit  ; 
for  obtaining  permanent  and  adequate  funds  to  dis 
charge  the  interest  and  principal  of  the  debt  contracted 
and  for  providing  for  the  future  exigencies  of  the  Union. 
The  necessity  of  a  rule  to  apportion  the  common  ex 
pense,  and  the  difficulties,  delays  and  expense  in  the 
way  of  obtaining  that  pointed  out  by  the  Confederation, 
induced  Congress  to  recommend  that  change  ;  and  the 
rather  as  the  number  of  inhabitants,  at  least  of  the 
white  inhabitants,  is  required  for  other  purposes  of  the 
confederation.  Besides,  it  was  conceived  that  this  rule 
would  do  more  justice  and  produce  less  discontents 
among  the  states,  and  although  not  altogether  free 
from  objections,  that  it  was  liable  to  fewer  than  any 
other  that  could  be  devised,  and  therefore  that  the 
application  of  it  to  ascertain  the  quotas  of  the  state, 
would  supercede  the  necessity  and  save  the  expense  and 
trouble  of  making  a  valuation  of  the  lands  with  the 
buildings  and  improvements  thereon. 

The  favorable  reception  this  recommendation  has 
met  with  induces  a  belief  that  this  alteration  will  be 
finally  adopted.  By  examining  the  files  in  this  office  I 
find  that  eight  states  have  agreed  to  it,  namely,  Massa- 


1785.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  355 

chusetts,  Connecticut,  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Penn 
sylvania,  Maryland,  Virginia,  and  North  Carolina  ;  and 
it  is  suggested  that  other  states  have  adopted  it,  although 
the  returns  are  not  lodged  in  this  office.     But  if  all  the 
states  had  agreed  to  adopt  it,  still  it  would  be  necessary 
for  them  to  proceed  a  step  further,  and  to  make  returns 
of  their  respective  numbers  before  Congress  can  apply 
the  rule.     I  must  therefore  request  that  your  Excellency 
would  be  pleased  to  bring  this  subject  again  under  the 
view   of  the   Legislature  of  your  state,  and  earnestly 
recommend  to  them,  as  they  have  authorized  their  del 
egates   to  subscribe  and    ratify  the   alteration  recom 
mended,   to   take    speedy  and   effectual   measures  for 
numbering  the  inhabitants  and  make  a  return  thereof 
to  Congress.     With  respect  to  the   other  part  of  the 
plan  contained  in  the  act  of  the  18th  of  April,  as  it  is 
not  the  immediate  object  of  this  letter,  I  shall  only  refer 
to  the  address  which  accompanied  it,  and  which  you 
will  find  enclosed,  and  beg  leave  to  add  this  single  ob 
servation,  that  every  day's  delay  increases  the  embar 
rassments  of  the  Union  ;  and  experience  evinces  how 
well  Congress  were  founded  in  the  opinion  they  gave 
on  the  12th  of  February,  1783  :  "That   the  establish 
ment  of   permanent   and  adequate    funds  in  taxes  or 
duties  which  shall  operate  generally  and  on  the  whole 
in   just  proportion  throughout  the  United  States,  are 
indispensably  necessary  towards  doing  complete  justice 
to  the  public  creditors,  and  for  restoring  public  credit. 

I  will  not  at  present  detain  you  farther  than  to  re 
quest  that  your  Excellency  will  be  pleased  to  favour 


356        CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1785. 

me  with  an  answer  that  I  may  be  enabled  to  make 
report  and  discharge  the  duty  required  by  the  enclosed 
ordinance  for  regulating  the  office  of  Secretary  of 
Congress. 

With  the  greatest  respect  I  have  the  honor  to  be 
your  Excellency's  most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

CHAS  THOMSON. 

His  Excellency,  the  Governor  of   the  State  of  New 
Jersey. 

From  Benjamin  Thompson  to  Governor  Livingston. 

Commissioner's  Office,  Newark,  October  22d,  1785. 

SIR, — Congress,  since  the  appointment  of  commis 
sioners  to  the  several  states  for  the  purpose  of  bringing 
the  public  accounts  to  a  final  settlement,  have  in  the 
most  pressing  terms  repeatedly  enjoined  it  on  the  com 
missioners  to  proceed  in  the  various  duties  assigned 
them  with  the  utmost  expedition  possible.  Anxious  to 
fulfill  their  intentions  by  a  faithful  discharge  of  the 
trust  committed  to  my  care,  and  impressed  with  the  im 
portance  of  the  business  as  well  to  the  general  interests 
of  the  union,  as  to  the  particular  interests  of  this  state, 
I  have  not,  I  flatter  myself,  been  deficient  in  diligence 
or  attention  towards  the  accomplishment  of  this  much 
wished  for  object. 

The  extensive  claims  of  the  individuals  of  this  state, 
and  the  impatience  of  the  claimants  to  obtain  final  set 
tlements,  have  hitherto  engrossed  my  whole  time  and 
application,  and  rendered  me  incapable  of  any  cogni- 


1785.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  357 

zance    of  the   general   charges    of    the   state.       This 
business,    however,    from    the    considerable    progress 
already  made,  I  have  good  reason  to  expect  will  nearly 
close  with  the  present  year.     It  therefore  now  becomes 
my  duty  to  address  your  Excellency,  as  the  supreme 
executive  authority  of  the  state,  on  the  important  sub 
ject  of  the  state  charges  against  the  union,  whereon  I 
must  earnestly  solicit,  that  your  Excellency  will  repre 
sent  to  the   Legislature  at  their  ensuing  meeting  the 
necessity  of  speedily  adopting  some  mode  of  collecting 
and  bringing  forward  all  such  accounts  of  expenditures 
supplies  and  services  made  and  rendered  on  the  part  of 
this  state  for  account  of  the  United  States,  as  consist 
ently  with  the  acts  and  resolutions  of  Congress  may  be 
deemed   proper    charges  ;    stated   under   their   several 
heads  and  accompanied  with  the  necessary  vouchers  to 
their  support,  conformably  to  the  rules  and  directions 
prescribed  by  Congress  for  the  settlement  of  the  public 
accounts.     Whatever  method,  sir,  the  legislature  may 
find  expedient  to  collect  and  bring  forward  the  state 
accounts  for  liquidation  and   settlement,  some  time  I 
presume  must  unavoidably  elapse  before  any  progress 
can  be  made  by  the  person  or  persons  charged  with  the 
business  during  that  period.     I  hope  to  compleat  my 
circuit  through  the    several  counties  of  the  state  and 
close  the  settlement  of  individual  claims. 

In  full  confidence,  sir,  that  the  legislature  will  on 
their  meeting,  as  soon  as  may  be,  take  the  subject 
of  this  address  under  consideration,  and  order  the 
things  necessary  to  be  done  thereon,  I  shall  hold  myself 


358         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY        [1785. 

prepared  to  meet  their  appointment  and  proceed  on  the 
business  that  may  be  laid  before  me. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  most  respectfully,  sir,  your 
most  obedient  and  most  humble  servant, 

BENJN  THOMPSON, 
Commiss'r  for  Acct's  of  New  Jersey, 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


From  Baron  Steuben  to  Governor  Livingston. 

New  York,  November  13th,  1785. 

SIR, — Having  become  the  purchaser  of  that  part  of 
the  estate  of  John  Zabriskie,  lying  at  the  New-bridge, 
near  Hackensack,  and  the  term  of  payment  being 
arrived,  an  order  from  the  commissioners  of  the  conti 
nental  treasury  on  the  treasury  of  New  Jersey  lies 
ready  for  the  agent  whenever  he  shall  please  to  call 
for  it. 

Before  I  take  the  deeds  for  this  place,  I  have  to  request 
the  favor  of  your  Excellency  to  represent  to  the  legis 
lature,  that  the  only  lot  of  wood  belonging  to  the  place 
was  withheld  by  the  agent  at  the  sale  on  a  doubt  of  its 
being  included  in  the  law  because  it  is  at  the  distance 
of  three  quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  house,  and  there 
fore  could  not,  he  supposed,  be  considered  as  "  lying  at 
the  New-bridge,"  though  on  enquiry  I  find  it  was  an 
appendage  to  the  estate,  and  indeed  is  the  only  part  of 
it  on  which  there  is  a  stick  of  wood  ;  and  it  was  be 
queathed  to  J.  Zabriskie  by  his  father  along  with  the 
house  and  mill ;  the  lot  consists  of  about  13  acres,  it 


1785.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  359 

was  left  unsold  with  the  house  and  mill,  though  every 
other  part  of  J.  Zabriskie's  estate  was  sold  some  years 
since,  and  being  now  unpossessed,  great  part  of  the 
wood  is  cut  off,  and  the  destruction  daily  increases.  If 
the  legislature  meant  to  include  it  in  the  law,  I  must 
request  that  directions  may  be  given  to  the  agent  to 
include  it  in  the  deed.  If  otherwise,  as  it  is  essential 
to  the  other  part  of  the  estate,  I  have  to  request  that  I 
may  be  permitted  to  purchase  it  at  such  valuation  as 
may  be  thought  just. 

Your  Excellency  will,  I  flatter  myself,  excuse  the 
liberty  I  take  in  requesting  you  to  represent  this  matter 
to  the  legislature,  and  to  obtain  their  decision  on  it  so 
soon  as  the  business  before  them  will  permit. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  sir,  your 
Excellency's  most  obed't  humble  servant, 

STEUBEN. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  LIVINGSTON. 


From   the   Secretary  of  Congress  to  Governor 
Livingston. 

Office  of  Secretary  of  Congress,  ) 
November  18th,  1785.      $ 

SIR, — I  am  sorry  to  inform  your  Excellency  that  not 
withstanding  it  seems  to  be  the  intention  of  the  con 
federation  that  all  the  states  should  punctually  assemble 
in  Congress  on  the  first  Monday  in  November,  there 
are  yet  but  five  states  represented,  namely,  Massachu- 


360         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1786. 

setts,  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Maryland  and  South 
Carolina,  and  one  member  attending  from  Georgia. 

The  late  packets  from  Europe  have,  I  understood, 
brought  dispatches  which  demand  the  immediate  and 
attentive  consideration  of  Congress.  I  beg  leave  to 
transmit  to  your  Excellency  herewith  enclosed  a  copy 
of  a  letter  which  I  have  received  from  the  Secretary  of 
foreign  affairs,  and  hope  you  will  be  pleased  to  urge  the 
delegates  from  your  state  to  come  forward  as  speedily  as 
possible. 

With  the  greatest  respect,  I  have  the  honor  to  be 
your  Excellency's  most  obed't  and  most  humble  servant, 

CHAS  THOMSON, 
His  Excellency,  the  Governor  of  New  Jersey. 

From  Patrick  Henry  to  the  Governor  of  New  Jersey. 

Richmond,  February  23d,  1786. 

SIR, — The  General  Assembly  have  appointed  Ed 
mund  Randolph,  James  Madison,  Jun.,  Walter  Jones, 
St.  George  Tucker,  Meriwether  Smith,  David  Ross, 
William  Ronald  and  George  Mason,  Esquires,  Com 
missioners  to  meet  others  from  the  different  states  in  the 
Union,  at  a  time  and  place  to  be  agreed  on,  for  the  pur 
pose  of  framing  such  regulations  of  trade  as  may  be 
judged  necessary  to  promote  the  general  interest. 

I  have  to  request  your  Excellency's  attention  to  this 
subject,  and  that  you  will  be  pleased  to  make  such  com 
munications  of  it  as  may  be  necessary  to  forward  the 
views  of  this  legislature. 


1786.]          EXECUTIVE  FROM   1776  TO  1786.  361 

I  am,  with  great  regard,  your  Excellency's  obedient 
servant, 

P.  HENRY. 
His  Excellency,  the  Governor  of  New  Jersey. 


From  the   Secretary  of    Congress    to    Governor  Liv 
ingston. 

Office  of  Secretary  of  Congress,  \ 
March  1st,  1786.          \ 

SIR, — As  many  states  in  the  Union  continued  to  be 
unrepresented  in  Congress,  or  to  be  represented  by  only 
two  members,  notwithstanding  the  many  recommenda 
tions  of  Congress  for  remedying  these  defects,  particu 
larly  those  of  1st  of  November,  1783,  and  the  19th  of 
April,  1784 ;  and  as  from  the  want  of  a  complete 
representation,  the  great  interests  of  the  Union  had 
frequently  been,  and  continued  to  be,  neglected  or  de 
layed,  and  the  confederation  itself  or  the  administration 
thereof  might  be  considered  as  the  cause  of  evils  which 
solely  resulted  from  an  incomplete  representation,  Con 
gress  judging  it  incumbent  upon  them  to  prevent  opin 
ions  so  derogatory  to  their  honor,  and  so  dangerous  to 
the  public  welfare,  did  on  the  17th  of  August  last,  pass 
a  resolve  whereby  it  became  the  duty  of  the  Secretary 
of  Congress  once  in  every  month  to  transmit  to  the 
Legislatures  of  the  respective  states  a  list  of  the  states 
represented,  and  of  those  unrepresented  in  Congress, 
and  of  the  members  from  each  state.  The  object  of 
this  resolution  was,  that  effectual  measures  might  from 


362         CORRESPONDENCE    OF    THE    NEW    JERSEY       [1786. 

time  to  time  be  taken  by  such  states  as  were  unrepre 
sented  or  represented  only  by  two  members,  to  remedy 
these  defects. 

In  the  execution  of  this  duty  I  have  had  the  honor 
every  month  since  of  transmitting  to  your  Excellency 
a  monthly  statement  of  the  representation  of  the  states 
in  Congress  to  be  laid  before  your  Legislature.  The 
statement  which  accompanies  this,  and  which  I  have 
to  request  the  favor  of  your  Excellency  to  communi 
cate  to  the  Legislature,  is  for  the  month  of  February 
last.  By  this  and  the  three  other  statements  transmitted 
since  the  meeting  of  Congress  on  the  first  Monday  in 
November  last,  your  Excellency  and  the  Legislature  will 
see  that  there  has  not  been  for  a  single  day,  a  number 
of  states  assembled  sufficient  to  proceed  on  the  great 
business  of  the  Union ;  indeed,  for  half  the  time,  not  a 
number  sufficient  to  do  more  than  to  adjourn  from  day 
to  day. 

With  the  greatest  respect,  I  have  the  honor  to  be 
your  Excellency's  most  obedient  and  most  humble 
servant, 

CHA8  THOMSON. 
His  Excellency,  the  Governor  of  New  Jersey. 

From  the  Secretary  of  Congress  to  the  Governor. 

Office  of  Secretary  of  Congress, ) 
April  22d,  1786.        \ 

SIR, — In  obedience  to  the  order  of  Congress  I  have 
the  honor  to  transmit  to  your  Excellency  herewith 


1786.]         EXECUTIVE  FROM  1776  TO  1786.  363 

enclosed  copies  of  the  Treaties  which  the  United 
States  in  Congress  assembled  have,  by  their  commis 
sioners,  entered  into  with  the  Shawanese,  Cherokee, 
Choctaw,  and  Chickasaw  Indian  nations. 

Considering  how  much  the  security,  comfort,  and 
happiness  of  the  frontier  settlements  depend  on  being 
at  peace  with  the  neighboring  Indians,  and  how  im 
portant  it  is  to  the  whole  confederacy,  that  the  savages 
on  our  borders  be  impressed  with  a  sacred  regard  for 
treaties,  and  with  a  firm,  unshaken  confidence  in  our 
justice,  honor,  and  national  faith,  solemnly  pledged,  I 
have  no  doubt  but  your  Excellency  will  exert  the 
means  in  your  power  to  enforce  a  due  observance  of 
the  several  articles  of  these  treaties,  so  far  as  they  con 
cern  your  state  or  relate  to  the  conduct  of  its  citizens. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  your  Ex 
cellency's  most  obedient  and  most  humble  servant, 

CHAS  THOMSON. 
His  Excellency,  the  Governor  of  New  Jersey. 


INDEX. 


Andover  Furnace.  Applications  for  its  use 
hy  the  United  States,  113,  114. 

Barns.     Capt.  Andrew.  263. 

Barton.     Lieutenant  Wm.,  61. 

Beavers.     Col.  Joseph.  40. 

Biddle.  Clement,  Dep.  Qr.  Mr.  Geril.,  11, 
126,  139. 

Bishop.  David,  recommended  for  Major, 
24. 

Board  of  War.  Despatch  from,  respecting 
Andover  Furnace,  113.  —  Respecting 
clothing.  134. — Transmitting  returns  of 
troops,  168. — Giving  information  of  two 
cannon  at  Carlisle, ^243. 

Boudinot.  Elisha,  letter  from,  recommend 
ing  officers  for  Newark  Militia,  58. — 
Recommended  for  office  of  Deputy  Sur 
rogate  of  Essex,  72. — Accepts  tempora 
rily  the  Secretaryship  of  Committee  of 
Safety,  105. 

Boudinot.  Elias.  Letter  resigning  his  seat 
in  Congress.  346. 

Brearley.  Col.  David,  Letter  from,  with 
prisoner.  60. 

Brueri.     Caleb,  72. 

Bull.  Col.  John,  Letter  from,  relating  to 
pay  of  soldiers.  34. 

Burlington  County.  Militia  of,  70,  91. — 
Troop  of  horse  in,  recommended  to  be 
raised,  74,  85. 

Chambers.     Col.  David,  24. 

(/handler.     Mrs.  of  Elizabethtown,  154. 

Charleston.  News  of  surrender  of,  221. 
227. 

Chew.  Chief  Justice  of  Pennsylvania, 
confined  in  Hunterdon  county. 

Chew.     Lieut.  Aaron,  263. 

Clark.  Abraham,  Letters  from,  on  public 
affairs,  25,  212,  267,  324.— Desiring  to 
resign.  279. — On  the  Islands,  &c.,  in  the 
Delaware.  289,  300,  322. 

Clark.  Elijah,  and  John  Cox,  Letter  from, 
relating  to  a  suspicious  vessel,  61. 

Clinton.  Gov'r,  of  New  York,  Letter  from, 
respecting  outrages  on  Long  Island,  185. 

Condict.  Silas,  Letter  from,  accepting  ap 
pointment  as  one  of  the  Council  of 
Safety,  49. 


j  Confederation.  Dr.  Scudder,  one  of  the 
Delegates  in  Congress,  asks  for  authority 
to  sign  for  New  Jersey,  &c.,  119. 

Continental  Congress.  Despatch  from,  re 
lating  to  defence  of  New  York,  6. — To 
Surgeons.  &c.,  13. — pay  of  the  army,  14. 
— intercourse  with  the  enemy.  18. — to 
extraordinary  powers  vested  in  Comman- 
der-in-Chief.  &c.,  21. — ordering  500  men 
to  Billingsport,  63. — complimenting  mi 
litia  of  New  Jersey.  98. — requisition  for 
4000  militia,  99. — relative  to  clothing, 
106.  —  to  engrossers,  111.  —  respecting 
movements  of  enemy,  116. — in  relation 
to  currency  and  finance.  215,  240,  258, 
270,  274,  277,  352.— calling  for  rein 
forcements,  &c.,  231.  297. — in  relation  to 
supplies,  266,  278. — transmitting  thanks 
giving  proclamation,  291. — address  of,  to 
the  states,  297. — complaining  of  non- 
attendance  of  members,  249,  359,  361.— 
transmitting  Indian  treaties,  362. 

Collins.  Isaac,  Letter  to  Council,  respect 
ing  article  in  the  New  Jersey  Gazette, 
199. 

Committee  of  Co-operation.  Letters  from, 
130,  132,  140.  225,  233,  239,  244,  248. 

Committee  of  Safety.  Resolves  of,  for  the 
defence  of  New  York.  4. 

Cook.     Lieut.  Thomas,  263. 

Cousins.     Capt.  John,  263. 
I  Covenhoven.     John,  18. 

Covenhoven.     Capt.  Jacob,  263. 

Craig.     Captain  John,  92. 

Cumberland  County.  Inhabitants  of,  hold 
ing  intercourse  with  the  enemy,  89. — 
Business  in  Courts  of,  135. 

Curlis.  John,  of  Shrewsbury,  Accused  of 
participation  in  intercepting  a  despatch, 
34. — To  be  apprehended.  56. 

DeHart.  John,  Acceptance  of  Chief  Jus 
ticeship,  11. 

DeHart.     Col.  Wm.,  20. 

Delaware.  Divisions  of  Islands,  &c.,  in, 
between  N.  J.  and  Penn.,  289,  300,  322. 

Deserters.  Letter  from  Gen.  Washington 
respecting  them,  23. — Action  of  Congreaa 
relative  to,  224. 


36G 


INDEX. 


Dickinson.  Gen.  Philemon,  Letter  from, 
requesting  to  be  relieved,  30. — Accepts 
commission  as  3Iajor  General.  73. — 
On  public  affairs,  84. — On  the  condition 
of  the  mi iilia,  280. 

Duyckink.     Colonel,  Secured.  54. 

Egg  Harbor.  Suspicious  vessel  off,  01. — • 
Thought  to  be  invested  by  the  enemy,  68. 

Elizabethtowri.  Position  of  affairs  at,  (J, 
117.— Prisoiiers  at,  78.  91,  98,  133. 

Ellis.     3Iajor  William,  263. 

Elmer.  Jonathan,  Lettei  from,  on  retiring 
from  Congress.  109,  128. 

Embargo,  2J8. 

Engrossers.  Complained  of.  111,132,133,140. 

Essex  County.     Militia  of.  81. 

Ewing.     3Ia'jor.  rtJ. 

Fell.  John,  Letter  from,  complaining  of 
non-attendance  of  his  colleagues  in  Con 
gress,  141.— On  public  affairs,  204. 

Flower.  Col.  Benjamin.  Letter  from,  re- 
resjjecting  Andover  Furnace,  114. 

Forman.     S.,  19. 

Forinan.     Genl.  David,  80,  104. 

Franklin.  Benjamin,  l^eJter  from,  to  Robert 
3Iorris,  relative  to  financial  arrangements 
abroad,  322. 

Frelinghnysen.  Col.  Fred.,  Letter  from,  on 
public  affairs,  95. — With  prisoners  sent  to 
Princeton,  98.— Mentioned.  141,  170.— 
Letter  from,  respecting  services  as  mem 
ber  of  Congress.  135. 

Giilord.     Capt.  Win.  B..  2f>3. 

Gloucester  County.  Militia  in  ordered  to 
wards  Philadelphia,  100. 

Grey.     3Iajor.  10. 

llackeiisack.  Suspicious  persons  in.  7. — 
Post-rider  between  it  and  New  York,  93. 

Halsey.     Luther.  32. 

Hancock.  John,  President  of  Congress, 
Letters  from.  6,  13,  14,  18.  21.  63,  98,  99, 
106,  111,  116. 

Hanson.  John,  President  of  Congress, 
Letter  from,  290. 

Hay.     Major,  263. 

Hayes.     Major  Samuel.  75,  81,  82,  80. 

Ha/ard.  Eberiezer,  In  relation  to  Hacken- 
sack  post-rider,  93. 

Heard.     Gen.  Nathaniel.  45.  09.  74. 

Heath.  General  W.,  Address  of.  in  behalf 
of  officers,  to  General  Washington,  334. 
—Gen.  W.:s  answer.  337. 

Heavland.     Lieut.  Charles,  320. 

Hedden.  Joseph.  Jr.,  Letter  from,  with 
names  of  "Tory  women."  72.  82. — On 
the  condition  of  Newark.  76. — With 
names  of  prisoners  in  Newark  and  Eh/- 
abethtown.  78.  —  With  prisoners  from 
Newark,  83. 

Henry.     Patrick,  Letter  from,  360. 

Holmes.     John,  19. 

Holmes.  Col.  Benjamin,  Resigns  his  com 
mission.  129. 

Holmes.     Lieut.  Jonathan,  263. 

Hovvell.     Lewis,  32. 


I  Hopkinpon.  Francis,  Letter  from,  respect 
ing  John  Curlis,  56. 

|  Hunterdon  County.  3Iilitia  of.  95. — Gov 
ernor  Penn  confined  in  101. — Business  in 
Courts  of,  135. 

Huntington.  Samuel,  President  of  Con 
gress,  letters  from.  215,  231.  240,  258, 
206,  270,  274.  277,  278. 

Houston.  Win.  II.,  Letter  from,  respecting 
business  before  Congress,  191,  200.  204, 
217.  224. — (iiving  information  of  surren 
der  of  Charleston,  221. 
j  Jones.  Capt.  David,  Recommended  for 
Major,  2i. 

Kt-lsey.  Enos.  With  return  of  clothing, 
tVr..  wanted  for  the  troops.  183. 

Kennedy.     Archibald.  Application  for  pa 
role.  12. — Apprehensions,  respecting,  108, 
153. 
I  Lee.     General,  87. 

Lee.  Arthur.  Commissioner  at  3Iadrid, 
Proceedings  in  Congress  in  relation  to  his 
recall,  191. 

Little.     Lieut.  Thomas,  263. 

Livingston.  Governor.  Letter  from,  to  Vice 
Preset  of  Penn.  Council  of  Safety,  rela 
ting  to  prisoners,  32. — Orders  to  General 
Winds,  80. — letter  to  General  Washing 
ton.  81. — Ordering  militia  to  oppose  pro 
gress  of  enemy  towards  Philadelphia, 
100. — To  President  of  Congress  in  rela 
tion  to  Gov.  Perm  and  Chief  Justice 
Chew  of  Pennsylvania.  101. — Transmit 
ting  letters,  128'. — Relative  to  organi/a- 
tion  of  militia.  175. — The  insufficiency  of 
his  pay.  294. — On  his  election  as  Gov 
ernor,  348,  351. 

Livingston.     Robert  R.,  Letter  from,  trans 
mitting  provisional  treaty  of  peace,  330. 
I  Llovd.     Lieut.  Bateman,  263. 
I  Ixjwery.     Col.,  24. 

Lovvery.     Captain.  87. 

3Iacomb.     3Ir.,  Taken  prisoner,  86. 

3Ianly.     Captain.  87. 

Maryland.     Tories  in,  27. 

3Iassaehusetts.  3Ieasures  of  Legislature  of, 
regulating  prices,  &c.,  28. 

31axwell.  Col.  Wm.,  Letter  from,  respect 
ing  the  clothing  of  the  troops,  103. — As 
General,  presenting  the  grievances  of  the 
troops,  146,  159. — In  relation  to  public 
affairs,  etc.,  151. 

3IcCloud.  Captain,  A  prisoner  on  parole, 
153. 

3IcKean.  Thomas,  President  of  Congress, 
letter  from,  291. 

3IcWhorter.  Rev.  Alex'r,  Letter  from, 
transmitting  names  of  officers  for  militia 
of  Newark,  58. 

3Iiffhn.  Thomas,  President  of  Congress, 
Letter  from,  349. 

Monmouth.     Suspicious  persons  in,  7. 

3Iorris  County.     3Iilitia  of.  81.  94. 

3Iorris.  Judge.  Ix?tter  from,  relating  to  pro 
ceedings  at  Sussex  Court,  63. 


INDEX. 


367 


Morris.  Robert,  Letters  Irom.  on  the  finan 
ces  and  accounts,  282.  318,  320.  332,340, 
242. — Jn  relation  to  supplies,  287. 

Munn.     Lieut.  John.  263. 

Newark.  Officers  of  militia  recommended, 
58. — Women  of,  whose  husbands  were 
with  the  enemy,  72.  82. — Certain  of  them 
removed,  75.— Situation  of.  June  1777, 
76. — Prisoners  at,  7d,  84.  —  Uneasiness 
al,  respecting  Captain  Kennedy,  108. 

New  Brunswick.  Prisoners  taken  near, 
54.  57.  60. 

Neweomb.     Brig.  Gen.  Silas,  89. 

iS'ew  York.  Measures  for  defence  of,  4,  6. 
— General,  commanding  at,  to  Provincial 
Congress.  7. — Governor ^0$  «n  outrages 
committed  on  Long  IsJandi/J^.— Pro 
ceedings  of  Legislature  upon  prices,  195. 

Officers.  .Memorials  to  Legislature  A  be 
longing  10  Jersey  brigade.  L43.  15*.  157. 
— Comments  of  Gen.  W&lurtij|grugpn 
their  grievances,  161,  166. — Memorial  ofl 
to  Gen.  Washington.  164. — Imprisoned 
on  Long  Island,  263. — Half  pay  author 
ized  by  Congress,  267. — Letter  of  Gene 
ral  Washington  to  Congress,  respecting 
grievances.  333. — Address  of,  to  Gen. 
Washington.  334. 

Osman.     Benjamin,  32,  263. 

Paramus.  Persons  accused  of  taking  tea 
from.  69. 

Parsons.     Lieut.  John.  263. 

Paterson.  William.  79. — Letter  from,  on 
public  matters,  86. — In  relation  to  pris 
oners  in  Morns.  &c...  107. — Declining  ap 
pointment  of  Delegate  to  Congress,  269. 

Paul.     James,  263. 

Penn.  Gov.,  of  Pennsylvania,  confined  in 
Hunterdon  County.  101. 

Pennsylvania.  Embargo  law  of.  200. — 
Case  of  sloop  Active  in.  203. — Division 
of  Islands,  &c..  in  Delaware  bay  and 
river,  289.  300,  322. 

Pettit.  Charles,  Letter  from,  relating  to 
public  records,  47. — Transmitting  forms, 
<tc..  67.— On  public  affairs.  69.— Men 
tioned,  88. — As  Qr.  Master  Gen.,  in  rela 
tion  to  forage,  123. 

Pickering.  Timothy.  Quarter  Mr.  General, 
Letter  from,  relative  to  forage,264. 

Polhimus.     Lieut.  Tobias.  263. 

Prices.  Regulation  of,  Measures  of  3Ias- 
saehusetts,  28. — Minutes  of  Commission 
ers,  therefor,  34. — Recommended,  133. — 
Measures  of  New  York  respecting.  195. 
.—Measures  of  Congress,  204.  214.— Pro 
ceedings  of  Convention  for.  212. 

Prisoners  on  Long  Island.  Sufferings  of, 
260.— Memorial  from.  261. 

Putnam.  Geu.  Israel.  Letter  from,  with 
prisoners  taken  at  Nmv  Brunswick.  57. 

Raritan.     Prisoners  taken  on.  59,  88. 

Rumsey.  Benjamin,  and  Wm.  Smith.  Let 
ter  from,  relating  to  a  Mr.  Campbell,  50. 

Scott.     Capt.,  17. 


Schanck.  John,  Recommended  for  Adju 
tant,  24. 

Scudder.  Nathaniel.  142. — Letter  from,  ou 
public  affairs.  119.204. 

Seely.     Col.  Silvanus.  91,  246.  254. 

Sergeant.  Jonathan  D.,  Letter  from,  re 
questing  to  be  permitted  to  resign  his  seat 
in  Congress.  25. — Mentioned,  27. 

Shrieve.     Colonel  Israel,  16,  31' 

Shu'.e.     Capt..  17. 

Shute.     William.  32. 

Skinner.  Abra'm,  Commissary  of  Prison 
ers,  Letter  from,  260. 

Smith.  Wm.,  and  Benj.  Rumsey.  letter 
from,  relating  to  a  Mr.  Campbell,  50. 

Smock.     Col.  John.  263. 

Smock.     Capt.  Barns.,  263. 

Smock.     Henry.  263. 

Smyth.     John,  Treasurer,  &c.,  1,  2.  3. 

Spencer.     Col.  Oliver.  22. 

Springfield.     Enemy  at.  238. 

Slaten  Island.  Arrival  of  the  enemy  at,  8. 
—Affair  on.  95. 

Stevens.     John,  3,  269,  280. 

Steuben.  Baron,  Letter  from,  relative  to 
purchase  of  land  in  Bergen.  358. 

Stout.  Major  Cornelius,  Recommended  ibr 
Lieut.  Col.,  24. 

Stout.     Lieut.  Abra'm.,  263. 
j  Sullivan.     James.  Letter  from,  relating  to 
|      an  act  of  the  Legislature  of  Massachu 
setts  for  regulating  prices.  &c.,  28. 

Sullivan.     General.  1)5. 
I  Suspected  Persons  in  MonmouthandHack- 

ensack.  7. 

'  Sussex  County.  Persons  in.  enlisting  men 
for  the  enemy.  46.  47. —  Proceedings  of 
Court  held  there.  63. — Prisoners  in.  77. — 
Militia  of,  81. 

j  Supplies.     Scarcity  of,  in  Bergen.  15!,  256. 
!  Symmes.     Chief  Justice  John  ('..  63. — Let 
ters  from,  respecting  prisoners  in  Sussex 
County,  77. — Referring  to  persons    tried 
in  Hunterdon   and    Cumberland,    135. — 
Relative  to  complaints  of  r-oldiers.  210. 
!  Taylor.      Edward.    Complained    of.   81. — 
Letter  from.  96. 

Taylor.  Major  John,  Letter  from,  with 
prisoners  from  Raritan,  59. — And  New 
Brunswick.  60. 

Taylor.     Col.  John,  Letter  from,  in  relation 

to  the  condition  of  the  militia,  177. 
!  Taylor.     Col.  George,  18. — Refutes  to  take 

the  required  oath,  19. 
j  Thanksgiving  proclamation,  291. 
i  Thompson.     Benj..    Commissioner   of    Ac 
counts.  Letter  i'rom,  S56. 
i  Thompson.     Andrew.  ^63. 

Treasury  of  East  Jersey.  Removal  of,  1, 
2.  3. 

Tucker.     Samuel.  1,2.  3. 

Van  Brunt.     Major  Hendrick.  263. 

Virginia.     Action  of,  ibr  the  regulation  of 

trade.  360. 
j  Wade.  '  Francis,  52,  53. 


3(58 


JNBEX. 


Washington.  General.  Letters  from,  23, 
54,  104,  161,  166,  172.  173,  181,  187,  206, 
207,  219.  228,  235.  236.238.242,246.254. 
256,  303,  306,  310.  312,  317.  333,  337.— 
Conduct  of,  adverted  to,  26,  204. 

Webster.     Capt.  John.  88. 

Whitlock.     Lieut.  James,  263. 

Wilson.     James,  34. 

Williamson.  Brig.  Gen.  Matthias,  Accept 
ance  of  commissions,  &c.,  9. 

Winds.    Gen.  William,  80.— On  the  posi 


tion  of  ofh'eefs  at  Elizabethtown,  Jufie 
1778,  117. 

Witherspoon.     Dr.,  120.  141,  204. 

Woodward.  Jesse,  of  Monmouth,  His  ex 
amination,  51. — Sent  to  the  Council  of 
Safety.  53. 

Woodbridge.  Enemy's  landing  on  Neck, 
92. 

Wyckoff.     Col.  Ocky,  263. 

Zabriskie.    Col.  John,  11,  358. 


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